What To Plant When

This came across my Facebook feed this morning from Mother Earth News. It may not be precise, but it’s a good start for preparing which veggies to plant in which month. February in Chicago may have freezing temperatures but it’s still a good time to transplant your asparagus or sow your mache seeds outside, according to this chart.

To use the chart, pick your region and then choose the month on the following page.

Compare the Mother Earth News chart to your planting zone as indicated by the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The zone map changes due to climactic variations; so if you’re in Chicago, for instance, your long-time zone of 5a may now be 5b. Do a zip code search here:

Keep in mind, both charts are only estimates and projections based on past data. Considering the strange weather the past two years, your guess is as good as mine on what to plant when. Happy growing!

Pre-Springtime in Chicago

A few more days of temps in the 40s and 50s before we dip back down into the 30s at the end of next week. I’ll be heading to Portland, OR next Thursday and can’t wait to see their azaleas, daffodils and early blooming roses (and rain).

As for now, I’ll be enjoying today’s high of 48 with plenty of sun. Heading to the Family Farmed Expo this morning and will report back on my findings. Until then, here’s another giveaway. Springtime is sure full of gardening giveaways!

Tobi’s Blog is having a contest to win an autographed copy of P. Allen Smith’s book Garden Home. Just add a comment to the blog page to be entered.