Written by Charlotte West
Spring has sprung and it’s not to late to jump on the band wagon of planting now.
In this article we will discuss planting depth, how far apart to plant rows, and when to plant.
Let’s start with beans. Bush beans usually come before pole beans and need to be planted approximately 28-36 inches apart in rows in soil about two inches deep; the earlier the better. And Pole bean rows need to be placed close together; around 18 inches apart and two inches in depth. They love the heat to germinate so plant somewhere around July.
With our unusual weather you may probably have missed out on planting broccoli as they need cool weather to flourish.
Cucumbers are a whole different story. They seem to do better from seed. Plant directly from seed about half an inch deep and plant close together in rows so as to insure pollination. Plant in early July for the best yield.
Sames goes for okra. But pick okra when they are shorter in length about as long as your pinkie finger.
Radishes are often considered a cold weather crop and this is true in cooler zones such as Cedar city. They do great with barely being covered in soil. About half an inch or less in depth.
And what about the amazing pepper? They require hot, hot soil and hot daily temps. I have found that by planting near concrete blocks which radiate heat allows for a long season of yield and because of this you can plant earlier. These plants do the best planted from starter plants with a maximum depth of one inch from the base of the plant; the closer the rows the better.
And just in time for Fall (forgoing the myths knee high by July), short yielding corn such as sweet corn can be planted as late as July. Plant from seed about two inches in depth. They germinate fast and grow like weeds with the right balance of moisture. And plant the rows as closely as possible. The closer the better but no more than 24-30 inches apart in rows. Planting closer together helps the wind germinate peppers when they rub together.
And ending with pumpkins. They need dry soil to germinate. But the earlier the better here in Dixie land and close together, about one inch deep. So try these suggestions so that your garden may be diverse and yield at various times .
Charlotte West moved to southern Utah in 2004 from the farmlands of southern Arkansas, where cultivating the earth is a way of life. Her experiences give her a unique perspective on how plants grow, adapt, and survive in different climates. She finds great joy in sharing her knowledge with others and tending to her garden. From seedlings to 70-year-old elms, she can help you with your horticulture needs.
