Growing Guide

From prepping your garden to planting and harvesting your bounty, we have you covered. Follow along with these easy ‘tricks of the trade’ we’ve fine-tuned over years of urban farming.

Prepping your Garden

Good quality soil is a crucial component to a successful vegetable garden.

Starting with existing soil?
Healthy soil is vital for your seedlings to grow successfully. Using a shovel, you will want to loosen and turn the soil until it is fluffy and uniform in appearance. Aerating the soil will allow oxygen into the mixture to benefit microbial and root health. Once the soil has been aerated, we recommend adding organic compost and either an organic fertilizer or organic potting mix designed for vegetable production as needed. You will want to evenly distribute the amendments on the surface of the soil and combine into the top 6 inches of the soil. We also recommend adding an irrigation system, ideally drip irrigation, to ensure the plants receive the water they need to thrive.

Starting a new garden?
Congrats on your new garden! If growing in a raised bed or planter, you will want to source an organic potting mix meant for vegetable production. You can find some great options at your local nursery center. We recommend growing your plants in a container with a minimum depth of 8 inches with an ideal depth of around 2 feet or deeper. Once you have built or sourced your growing container, add the soil and irrigation. We always recommend drip irrigation connected to a simple timer to ensure the plants receive the water they need to thrive. If you are planting in the ground, we recommend adding a mixture of organic potting soil and organic compost. This will ensure the native soil has the nutrients necessary for the plants to produce bountiful harvests.

Time to Plant!

Vegetables

Artichoke

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 24-36 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The Artichoke is a perennial plant and can stay in your garden season after season. It is ready to be harvested once the plant produces the artichokes at the end of long stems. The best way to harvest is to cut the artichoke at the stem before the leaves begin to separate. As you harvest, more artichokes will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Arugula

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 3-4 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

As the arugula grows it may begin to bolt and shoot up flowers, while the flowers are edible, it’s best to remove them before the entire plant bolts and becomes bitter. Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The arugula is ready to be harvested once the plant grows to be about 5 inches in height. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger leaves, leaving the smaller leaves to continue to grow. Wash and store in the fridge.

Broccoli/ Broccolini

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 12-18 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

As the plant matures, prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The broccolini florets or heads of broccoli are ready to be harvested once the plant reaches desired size but before the flowers start to bloom. The best way to harvest is to cut the florets at the stem a few inches below the top of the floret or head before they bloom with yellow flowers. When harvesting broccolini, the plant will continue to grow and produce more florets. When harvesting broccoli heads, typically the plant will only produce one large head and the following florets will be smaller in size. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Brussels Sprouts

Planting

Maintaining

As the plant matures, prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Pruning the lower portion of your brussels sprout plant will encourage the plant to for buds quicker, be sure to leave the top most leaves so the plant can continue to grow. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The brussels sprouts are ready to be harvested once the plant reaches desired size but before the flowers start to bloom. The buds should be bright green and firm to the touch, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The best way to harvest is to cut or gently hand pick the buds directly at the stem. When harvesting buds, the plant will continue to grow and produce more. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Cauliflower

Planting

Plant in full sun, 12-18 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. As the plant matures, you can tie the inner leaves around the cauliflower head with a rubber band to protect the fruit from pest damage. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The cauliflower is ready to be harvested once the plant produces a firm, crisp head about 6-7 inches across. The best way to harvest is to cut the stem a few inches below the head. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Chard

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 8-12 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

It’s best to continually prune or harvest to keep the plant producing new, younger shoots. Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The chard is ready to be harvested once the leaves grow to be about 8-12 inches tall. The best way to harvest is to cut off the larger, outer leaves leaving the inner, smaller leaves to continue to grow. As you harvest, more leaves will form and grow. Alternatively, you can cut off the whole head at the base of the plant. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Cucumbers

Planting

Plant in full sun, 6-12 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Using a plant support or trellis will help keep the vine off the soil and produce at its best. It’s best to remove any dead, or damaged leaves from the plant to help focus growth on the fruits. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Depending on the variety, cucumbers can be harvested after they grow to be about 6 inches in length. Cucumbers are heavy producers, so it’s best to check your plants frequently and harvest the fruits once they reach your desired size. The best way to harvest is to cut the fruit away from the plant where it meets the stem. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Eggplant

Planting

Plant in full sun, 12-16 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

As the plant grows remove any leaves that touch the soil surface to reduce pest and disease transmission. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Eggplants are ready at any desirable size, but will be best while their skin is still glossy and the fruit has a slight give when pressed against. Fruits are best harvested by cutting just above the stem. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Fennel

Planting

Plant in full sun, about 8-12 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

The Fennel seedlings will grow tall and can benefit from being staked up with a support to prevent any damage from falling over. Removing any leaves that are dying will help stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The Fennel is ready to be harvested once the bulb has reached desired size usually around 3-4 inches wide. The best way to harvest is to cut the bulb near the base of the plant once it has reached desired size. You can also harvest the larger leaves by cutting near the base of the stem, once the plant is established. Be sure to leave a majority of the smaller inner leaves to continue to grow so the bulb can grow in size.

Kale

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 12 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Harvesting

The kale leaves are ready to be harvested once the plant reaches about 12 inches in height and has multiple sets of leaves. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger, outer leaves leaving the inner leaves to continue to grow. As you harvest, more florets will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Komastuna

Planting

Maintaining

As the komatsuna grows be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Harvest the leaves once they reach about 12-18 inches in height. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger outer leaves, leaving the smaller inner leaves to continue to grow. Wash and store in the fridge.

Napa Cabbage

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

The cabbage is ready to be harvested once the plant produces a large tight head. The best way to harvest is to cut off the whole head at the base of the plant. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Pak Choy

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 6-8 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Harvesting

The pak choy is ready to be harvested once the plant reaches about 18 inches in height. Alternatively it can be harvested when plants are still young and small. The best way to harvest is to cut off the whole head at the base of the plant. Wash and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Peppers

Planting

Plant in full sun, 12-24 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Harvesting

Peppers are ready to harvest once the fruits have reached desired size and color. For your hot peppers, look for light brown cracking on the skin to obtain the spiciest flavor! If you choose to plant both spicy and sweet peppers, be sure to plant them far away from each other as they can cross pollinate and cause the peppers to become spicy. Fruits are best harvested by gently pulling the fruit from the plant or cutting where they meet the stem. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Spinach

Planting

Maintaining

As the spinach grows be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Harvest the leaves once they reach desired size. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger outer leaves, leaving the smaller inner leaves to continue to grow. Wash and store in the fridge.

Tomatoes

Planting

Maintaining

In general, most tomato plants will require the same maintenance to keep them healthy and producing. Use a tomato cage or other trellis to keep the plant off the ground and to optimize space in your garden. As the plant grows remove any leaves that touch the soil surface to reduce pest and disease transmission. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved. Depending on your planting area it’s best to prune any suckers from the main stem to focus the plant's energy on producing healthy fruits. If you are limited on space, you can leave the suckers, or off-shoots, to grow a bushier shaped plant. Monitor your plant's growth habits and observe how the plant is growing based on its environment. Which in turn will help you decide how to best prune your plant based on sun exposure, planting space, and overall environment.

Harvesting

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they turn color and are slightly soft to the touch when gently squeezed. Tomatoes can be harvested early once the fruit begins to turn color; they will quickly ripen off the vine when placed inside on a kitchen counter. Harvesting technique all depends on your personal farming style. If you are worried about pests or critters getting to your fruits, then harvesting once you see a first hint of color may be the best technique for you. If you love to let them ripen on the vine, the fruits are best harvested by gently pulling the fruit from the plant or cutting the stem with clippers. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Tomatillo

Planting

Plant in full sun, 24-36 inches apart. We recommend planting 2 tomatillo plants to ensure blooms will be pollinated. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Use a plant support, like a tomato cage, to keep the plant off the ground and to optimize space in your garden. As the plant grows remove any leaves that touch the soil surface to reduce pest and disease transmission. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Fruit is ready to harvest when it turns bright green, is still firm and has filled the husk. You can also wait for the papery husk to split open slightly and the fruit should be loose on the vine. Fruits are best harvested by gently pulling the fruit from the plant or cutting the stem with clippers. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Watermelon

Planting

Plant in full sun, 24"-36" inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Plants will grow into large vines and can be grown sprawling on the soil, but keep a close eye on pest damage and diseases. The can also be trellised, but would require a very sturdy support. We love letting our watermelons grow on the surface level because the weight of the fruits can be hard to support when trellised. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Harvest your watermelons by cutting the stem directly from the vine. You can tell when the watermelon is ready to harvest when the tendril nearest the point on the vine where fruit stem attaches is browning or dead. Another sign it is ripe will be when the outer skin of the watermelon changes color from bright green to a duller shade, and the part that touches the ground turns from greenish-white or straw yellow. You can check if a watermelon is ripe by tapping its skin and listening for a low thud. You can learn to recognize the wrong sound by tapping on a few unripe fruits. If they're not ready, they'll make a higher-pitched sound when tapped.

Zucchini/Squash

Planting

Plant in full sun, 18-36 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Plants will grow into large vines and can be grown sprawling on the soil, but keep a close eye on pest damage and diseases. The can also be trellised, but would require a very sturdy support. We love letting our zucchinis grow on the surface level because the weight of the plant and fruits can be hard to support when trellised. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic all purpose liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

Before fruits form the edible flowers are a seasonal harvest not to be missed! Male flowers can be harvested by cutting them away from the plant and will be notable for their skinny stems. Just be sure to leave enough to pollinate the female flowers later in the season. Full zucchini can be harvested at any marketable size by cutting them from the plant at the stem. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

Herbs

Basil

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

Allow 2-3 weeks for your plant to establish before harvesting. Once established, cut lengths of the stem above a set of leaves to encourage more leaf growth. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plant to grow in a bushier and more compact form. Remove any flowers that may form to encourage more leaf growth.

Chamomile

Planting

Maintaining

Trim the plant frequently to encourage a bushier growth habit. Removing any leaves that are dying to help stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The Chamomile flowers are ready to be harvested once the flowers have bloomed and are fully open, but before the color starts to fade. The best way to harvest is to cut or gently pluck the flowers directly from the stem. As you harvest the flowers, more will soon form and bloom. Dry the harvested chamomile by spreading them in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Store them in a cool, dark spot until they are completely dry.

Cilantro

Planting

Plant in full to partial sun, 6-12 inches apart. With your hands or a trowel, dig a small hole slightly bigger than the seedling. Remove your seedling from the pot and place it in the hole slightly below ground level so that the top of the seedling’s soil is covered. Gently compress soil around the seedling. Once planted, water the seedling to ensure it takes well into its new environment.

Maintaining

Harvesting

The cilantro is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and is about 5-6 inches in height. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger stems near the base of the plant, leaving the smaller inner leaves to continue to grow. Wash and store in the fridge.

Flashback Calendula

Planting

Maintaining

The Calendula seedlings will grow tall and eventually produce flowers. Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The Calendula is ready to be harvested once the flowers have formed and bloom. The best way to harvest is to cut off the flowers at the stem. As you harvest the flowers, more will soon form and bloom. Wash the petals and store in the fridge or dry the petals and store in a container for later use.

French Thyme

Planting

Maintaining

Over time the plant can become very woody. It’s best to continually prune or harvest to keep the plant producing new, younger shoots. Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The thyme is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and has many shoots growing. The best way to harvest is to cut short lengths of the stems. As you harvest, more offshoots will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge or dry the herbs and store in a container for later use.

Garden Green Sage

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

The sage is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and has many leaves growing. The best way to harvest is to cut short lengths of the stems. As you harvest, more leaves will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge or dry the herbs and store in a container for later use.

Icterina Sage

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

Italian Oregano

Planting

Maintaining

Over time the plant can become woody and will begin to flower. It’s best to continually prune or harvest to keep the plant producing new, younger shoots. When the plant begins to flower, it's best to cut and harvest the longer flowering stems and apply a light layer of compost to encourage the plant to begin growing new shoots. Be sure to prune or remove any dead leaves as the plant matures. Removing these leaves helps stimulate growth and prevent pest and disease damage from spreading. We recommend adding organic compost or an organic liquid fertilizer once per month to allow for vigorous growth. Inspect your plant weekly for signs of pests or damage, if needed, use an organic pest spray once a week until the issue is resolved.

Harvesting

The oregano is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and has many shoots growing. The best way to harvest is to cut short lengths of the stems. As you harvest, more offshoots will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge or dry the herbs and store in a container for later use.

Italian Parsley

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

The parsley is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and is about 5-6 inches in height. The best way to harvest is to cut the larger stems near the base of the plant, leaving the smaller inner leaves to continue to grow. Wash and store in the fridge.

Purple Sage

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

Rosemary

Planting

Maintaining

Harvesting

The rosemary is ready to be harvested once the plant is established and has many sprigs growing. The best way to harvest is to cut short lengths of the stems. As you harvest, more leaves will form and grow. Wash and store in the fridge or dry the herbs and store in a container for later use.

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