Seeds For Fall Gardens

Edible Pod Snow Peas Oregon Giant

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Sow seeds in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2-3 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis or short tree branches stuck into the ground to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered, and mulch to conserve moisture.

HARVEST AND USE

Pick frequently when pods are fully formed but still flat with tiny immature peas. Snow peas are delicious in stirfries with ginger, soy sauce and garlic. Cook very quickly, just until pods turn a deeper green color. Or simply enjoy the juicy pods fresh off the vines.

$2.99

Snap Peas Sugar Daddy

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2 to 3 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest only when peas are mature and round in the thick walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.

$4.89

Sugar Snap Peas Super Sugar Snap

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 5 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest only when peas are mature and round in the thick-walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.

$3.39

Shelling Peas Sabre

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, and 2 feet apart. Provide supports at planting time; vines grow 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Protect seedlings from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet, cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn’t come up evenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest only when peas are well developed in their pods. Crack open the pods by pushing on the edge of the pod to open, then scoop out the delectable peas. When garden fresh, peas really are at their most delicious simply eaten raw right from their pods–kids especially love them! Or briefly steam the shelled peas just until tender, then serve with a dollop of butter or sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint, dill or lemon thyme.

GROWING NOTES

Provide netting, trellis or short stakes at planting time to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ash into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.

$2.99

Snow Peas Oregon Sugar Pod II

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Sow seeds in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis or short tree branches stuck into the ground to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered, and mulch to conserve moisture.

HARVEST AND USE

Pick peas frequently when pods are fully formed but still flat with tiny immature peas. Snow peas are delicious in stir-fries with ginger, soy sauce and garlic, but cook very quickly, just until they turn a deeper green color. Or enjoy the juicy pods as you pick them fresh from the vines.

$4.89

Baby Pak Choi Green Fortune

TO START OUTDOORS

In very early spring as soon as ground can be worked, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Sow again in late summer for another fast growing crop.

TO START INDOORS

Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are about 3 inches tall and ready to plant in the garden.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 5 to 6 inches apart to give plants room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Pak Choi thrives in rich soil and cool growing conditions. Be sure to thin seedlings and keep well weeded and watered for best tasting crunchy heads. Feed 2 or 3 times during the growing season with fish emulsion or another high nitrogen fertilizer.

HARVEST AND USE

Use early thinnings in salads. Cut whole vase-shaped little heads when they are plump and well filled out. Chop coarsely for delicious quick stir fries, or braise in a little butter and broth just until tender-crisp. Green Fortune is mild and sweet tasting and chock full of vitamins and antioxidants.

$3.99

Round Red Radishes Crimson Crunch

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh and the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious openfaced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.

$3.99

Japanese Spinach Oriental Giant

TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Cover with 1/2 inch of soil; firm soil over seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seeds as they will catch up fast.

GROWING NOTES

Spinach is most productive grown in cool spring conditions and sown again in late summer for a fall crop. After seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin out every other plant (and enjoy in early salads) and keep thinning in this fashion until plants are spaced 8 or 10 inches apart. Keep the shallow-rooted plants well weeded and watered. Spinach is a heavy feeder so fertilize several times with a high nitrogen source like fish emulsion solution for best harvests.

HARVEST AND USE

Wait until plants are well established and harvest just the outer leaves, leaving at least 4 younger center leaves so plant will continue to grow. Water and fertilize after cutting and plants will provide 2 or 3 pickings before weather gets too warm and spinach begins to go to seed. Plant again in late summer to early fall for a succulent autumn crop.

$3.39

Radishes Red Planet

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh and the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to ensure a constant supply. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious open faced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.

$4.89

Rainbow Radishes Easter Egg II

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh and the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature before or after summer heat. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious open faced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.

$3.39

French Breakfast Radishes Petit Dejeuner

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Sow this quick cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive with crisp flesh and mild flavor when given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

Pull young round roots at large marble size and cylindrical ones at 2 to 3 inches long. If weather turns hot, harvest, cut off tops and store in fridge. Radishes’ flavor is mildest in cool weather, spicier in hot conditions. Picked young and tender, these refined French treats make crispy snacks or attractive appetizers, and add appealing color and crunch to green salads. Especially delicious sliced and tossed with a sesame flavored dressing.

$2.99

Heirloom Radishes Watermelon

START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS

Plant watermelon radishes at midsummer for fall harvest only. They size up and get sweeter as temperatures drop at the end of the growing season. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart, in rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If the first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away.

GROWING NOTES

Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart; Watermelon radishes get big, up to three or even four inches in diameter and need room to size up. These Asian-style radishes grow more slowly than spring radishes, so be sure they have consistent moisture for best quality and flavor. Protect with a barrier of floating row cover if marauding birds or insect pests are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

For best quality, harvest watermelon radishes promptly when sized up 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Note: Interior flesh becomes rosy red when roots are fully mature. Their flavor will be milder and sweeter harvested in cool fall weather. These roots will keep their eating quality for weeks in your refrigerator. For a beautiful and colorful salad, make a plate of very thinly sliced watermelon radishes sprinkled with oil and rice wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice and chopped scallions.

$3.99

Heirloom Radishes Pink Beauty

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh with the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious open faced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.

$4.89

Long-Standing Spinach Summer Perfection

TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep in rows 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Be sure to firm soil well over seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seeds as they will catch up fast.

GROWING NOTES

Spinach is most productive grown in cool spring conditions and sown again in late summer for a fall crop. After seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin out every other plant (and enjoy in early salads) and keep thinning in this fashion until plants are spaced 5 or 6 inches apart. Keep the shallow rooted plants well weeded and watered. Spinach is a heavy feeder so fertilize several times with fish emulsion solution for best harvests.

HARVEST AND USE

There are two methods for harvesting spinach: either cut the entire plant 1 inch or so above the base once plants are 4 or 5 inches tall, or wait until plants are well established and harvest just the outer leaves, leaving at least 4 center leaves so plant will continue to grow. Water and fertilize after cutting and plants will provide 2 or 3 pickings before weather gets too warm and spinach begins to go to seed.

$3.39

Baby Salad Spinach Regiment

TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Be sure to firm soil well over seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seeds as they will catch up fast.

GROWING NOTES

Spinach is most productive grown in cool spring conditions and sown again in late summer for a fall crop. After seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin out every other plant (and enjoy in early salads) and keep thinning in this fashion until plants are spaced 5 or 6 inches apart. Keep the shallow rooted plants well weeded and watered. Spinach is a heavy feeder so fertilize several times with fish emulsion solution for best harvests.

HARVEST AND USE

There are two methods for harvesting spinach: either cut the entire plant 1 inch or so above the base once plants are 4 or 5 inches tall, or wait until plants are well established and harvest just the outer leaves, leaving at least 4 center leaves so plant will continue to grow. Water and fertilize after cutting and plants will provide 2 or 3 pickings before weather gets too warm and spinach begins to go to seed.

$4.89

Salad Scallions Parade

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant scallions throughout the spring and again in mid to late summer for fall harvests. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil well over seeds. Be sure to keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 1 to 2 inches apart, allowing plants room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Scallions take up little garden space, so tuck several rows around beds of lettuce, spinach or radishes. Make several plantings a month apart to have a constant supply for spring and summer meals. Prepare soil well with lots of aged manure or compost before planting. Keep evenly moist and weed carefully when plants are young. Mulching to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth is a good strategy.

HARVEST AND USE

To get the most out of your crop, start by using tender, mild-flavored early thinnings in salads, then continue thinning gradually so mature scallions stand an inch or two apart. These tasty scallions are best if harvested at 10 to 12 inches tall or before they send up bloom stalks, which makes the stems turn tough and too spicy.

$3.99

Salad Scallions Delicious Duo

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant scallions throughout the spring and again in mid to late summer for fall harvests. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast evenly for bed planting. Cover 1/2 inch deep and firm soil well over seeds. Be sure to keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 1 to 2 inches apart, allowing plants room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Scallions take up little garden space, so tuck several rows around beds of lettuce, spinach or radishes. Make several plantings a month apart to have a constant supply for spring and summer meals. Prepare soil well with lots of aged manure or compost before planting. Keep evenly moist and weed carefully when plants are young. Mulching to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth is a good strategy.

HARVEST AND USE

To get the most out of your crop, start by using tender, mild-flavored early thinnings in salads, then continue thinning gradually so mature scallions stand an inch or two apart. These colorful scallions are best if harvested at 10 to 12 inches tall or before they send up bloom stalks, which makes the stems turn tough and too spicy.

$3.99

Baby Leaf Spinach Catalina

TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Firm soil well over seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed as seedlings will catch up fast. Sow again in late summer.

GROWING NOTES

Spinach is most productive in cool weather. Grow in cool spring conditions and sow again in late summer for a productive fall crop. After seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall, thin out every other plant (and enjoy in early salads) and keep thinning in this fashion until plants are spaced 5 or 6 inches apart.

HARVEST AND USE

Either harvest individual outside leaves from well-established plants and let regrow, or harvest entire plants. Keep spinach plants well watered and weeded and fertilize these heavy feeders several times as they leaf out and especially after harvesting outside leaves. Combine well-washed and dried leaves with your favorite garlicky salad dressing; spinach pairs well with hearty dressings like the traditional hot bacon dressing. Good spinach salad additions include thinly sliced sweet red onions, sliced radishes, thin wedges of red apple or orange segments, toasted nutmeats, chopped scallions, crispy bacon bits, hard-cooked egg quarters and finely grated hard cheese.

$3.99

Salad Scallions Sprint

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant scallions throughout the spring and again in mid to late summer for fall harvests. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Cover 1/2 inch deep and firm soil well over seeds. Be sure to keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 1 to 2 inches apart, allowing plants room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Scallions take up little garden space, so tuck several rows around beds of lettuce, spinach or radishes. Make several plantings a month apart to have a constant supply for spring and summer meals. Prepare soil well with lots of aged manure or compost before planting. Keep evenly moist and weed carefully when plants are young. Mulching to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth is a good strategy.

HARVEST AND USE

To get the most out of your crop, start by using tender, mild-flavored early thinnings in salads, then continue thinning gradually so mature scallions stand an inch or two apart. These tasty scallions are best if harvested at 10 to 12 inches tall or before they send up bloom stalks, which makes the stems turn tough and too spicy.

$4.89

Japanese Baby Turnips Mikado

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded.

GROWING NOTES

Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart for successive harvests until summer heat comes on. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Be sure to sow again in late summer for productive harvests in cool fall weather.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest these sweet baby turnips from when they are as big as walnuts to when they are the size of ping-pong balls. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator. Turnips will be spicier in hot weather. Pearly white baby turnips are delicious sliced raw into green salads, or you can steam or sauté them briefly, or toss in oil and roast whole to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.

$4.69

Heirloom Poppies Hungarian Breadseed Poppy

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Fall harvest
Frost hardy

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hardy. In a well-worked, finely textured seed bed in full sun, sprinkle seeds as thinly as possible or sow in rows 8 to 10 inches apart. (Mixing dry sand with the seeds will help space them.) Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep, and keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up too thickly, thin poppies early, but delay final thinning to 6 to 8 inches apart until weather has settled in spring.

GROWING NOTES

Flowers will bloom in spring and early summer, then drop their petals and form fat seed capsule pods. When pods get brown and hard, cut and store them in open paper bags. When completely dry, crack pods open to remove seeds. Store harvested poppy seed in the freezer to keep it fresh and pest free.

$3.39

Shirley Poppies French Flounce

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Frost hardy

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Plant poppies either in late fall or very early spring. (Fall-sown seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil warms in early spring.) If spring planting, sow in a fine-textured garden bed in full sun as early as ground can be worked. Sprinkle seeds as thinly as possible, or in rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep. Keep seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until weather is settled in spring.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Poppies don’t transplant well, so sow directly in the garden. Thin early if crowded, then again to final spacing 8 to 10 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Sow seeds early if spring planting, as poppies can handle frosts and bloom best when plants get a good start in cool spring weather. To help space the tiny seeds, try mixing them with a little dry sand before sowing. Weed and water young seedlings and thin carefully to final spacing once they are well established as plants need proper room to grow and develop. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers.

$3.39

California Poppies Dusky Rose

PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frost

BEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds 2 or 3 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 6 inches apart as plants need room to grow, develop and bloom.

GROWING NOTES

When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow.

$3.39

Heirloom Herbs English Watercress

BIENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/fall harvest
Can handle some frost

STARTING SEEDLINGS

Watercress is a cool weather crop. Make successive sowings several weeks apart to have a constant supply, starting in early spring. Plant watercress in a pot of seed starting mix and keep in a cool spot. Sow seeds one inch apart, do not cover with mix, but keep thoroughly moist. Germination should occur in about a week. Late summer-sown watercress will last well into cold weather.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Set out seedlings next to a source of clean, fresh flowing water or water them daily. Watercress grown in pots can be set in saucers of water, which must be changed regularly to imitate a moving stream. Or, set your seeded pot right under an often-used hose bib to benefit from stray sprinkles and drips. Snip back growing shoots to make plants branch from the base and harvest tender tips as needed. As flowers begin to bud up, leaves get smaller and their taste gets bitter, so pull and pick from younger plants.

$3.39

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Seeds For Fall Gardens