By: Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension Cass County Horticulturist

Spring Greetings! I’m honored to be writing for Little Free Garden, and I’ll enjoy visiting with you each month, discussing a topic about which we’re all passionate - vegetable gardening.

If we were to pick a 10-day window in which to plant our entire garden in the Upper Midwest, it would be May 15-25. During that time, chances of frost are greatly diminished, as each day passes, and the soil warms enough for crops that require it.

But we can divide our planting task into two groups, if we like, planting some things earlier, and some later, depending on their needs. “Cool season” crops can tolerate frosts between 28 and 32 degrees. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, and potatoes can be planted in late April and early May. “Warm season” vegetables easily damaged by frost include tomato, pepper, eggplant, beans, corn, cucumber, melons, pumpkin, and squash. Wait to plant until May 20 or 25 unless you’re prepared to cover when even light frost threatens. These warm season crops also require the soil to be at a temperature of at least 55 degrees. If planted too early in cold soil, plants like tomatoes and peppers can be irreversibly damaged. 

Another consideration is whether to start with plants or seeds in the vegetable garden. Vegetables that are usually seeded directly into garden soil include carrot, beet, bean, pea, lettuce, radish, spinach and sweet corn. Vegetables best planted from pre-started transplants (your own, or plants purchased) include tomato, pepper, eggplant, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and melons. They require a season too long for direct seeding into garden soil, that’s why the standard operating procedure is to plant transplants instead. 

Garden terminology is fascinating, and gardeners have their own way of speaking. It’s sometimes confusing, and terms commonly used by long-time gardeners deserve translation. One such term heard often this time of year is “setting out,” as in “I’m setting out my cabbage plants this week.” Or “When is the best time to set out tomato plants?” Setting out refers to transplanting pre-started plants out of their pots or cell-packs and into the outdoor garden soil. “We should wait to set out our tomato plants until the soil warms, which is usually after May 20.” 

If you have any questions, please send me an email. Thanks!