CLINTON TOWNSHIP ORGANIC COMMUNITY GARDEN
Organic gardeners face challenges.
Be prepared.
Gather ideas and information for success.
Know Your Climate
Hardiness Zone
Here in Clinton Township, we are USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6B. This means our coldest winter temperatures, on average, are between -5 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider this info when growing perennials (plants that will die back in the fall but grow again in the spring, year after year). You can look for the hardiness zone rating on the label for any perennial plant or perennial seed you purchase. A higher number than 6B means that our harsh winter temperatures will prevent the plant from growing again in the spring.
When growing annuals (plants that will grow for one season only - veggies are annuals, with a few exceptions), this info is helpful for determining when to put seeds and plants in the ground.
Frost Dates
Many seed packets will give you planting instructions based on your frost date. Couple this with some basic math and you have a great formula for what to plant and when.
Our last spring frost: May 15th
Our first fall frost: October 15th
Dates are averages based on a 50% chance of frost. Around these dates, keep an eye on the weather for predicted frosts and cover tender plants with a light sheet overnight. Remember to remove the cover during the day!
Soil Temperature
Sometimes a seed packet will instruct you when to plant based on the soil temperature. To find out what temperature our soil is at this very moment, visit this nifty Rutgers weather and climate map!
Know Your Plants
Cold Hardiness vs. Heat Tolerance
Certain crops are considered cold hardy (able to withstand frosts or preferring to grow during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall) and some are heat loving (thriving only in the warm weather of late spring/summer/early fall and having no tolerance of frost). Learn more about which veggie for which season.
Sun Requirements
At the OCG we receive full sun all day long, which is ideal when it comes to growing veggies. Read your seed package or plant label to find out how much sun your plants need. A few vegetables will prefer light shade, in which case you'll have to be clever by placing these plants in the shade of a neighboring plant or diffusing the strong sun with shade fabric.
Watering
Young seedlings and transplants will benefit from a steady water supply. Once they're established, they'll be a bit more forgiving but drought will take its toll without your help. When you can, water your plants in the morning when evaporation will be slower. Always water the soil, not the plant, since plants take in water best through their roots. Also, a thick mulch of straw will retain moisture while having the added benefit of reducing weeds.
Know You'll Succeed
Have a Plan!
Think about what you want to grow. Write a list. Map out your garden layout before the hustle and bustle of the growing season is upon you. This can be a simple doodle on scrap paper or an elaborate garden planner. Remember, no overcrowding, your plants need room to grow with plenty of good air circulation. On-line garden planners often factor this space issue in for you (Mother Earth News offers a free trial for 7 days).
Seed Starting & Transplants
The easiest method for starting plants from seed is to plant them directly in the ground at the appropriate time. Some plants, especially heat loving veggies like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, need a head start. Getting these seeds started indoors before the weather warms is an exciting challenge which might require some additional equipment. Do some research and experimenting or simply buy healthy transplants from a reputable source.
Harvesting
Make the most of your garden by knowing how and when to harvest your produce and the right way to store it.
Remember it's fun!
Vegetables and flowers are easy to grow using just the bare basics - soil, sun, water and love! Add friends, family and good humor to it all for a guaranteed memorable experience.