Getting Started
SITE – Choose a location that will get as much sunlight as possible. Six or more hours of direct sun is needed for ideal growing.
SOIL – Soil is critical and should not be overlooked. If planting in the ground, take the time and invest in resources to improve the existing soil quality. Adding organic matter like manure and Earl May Structure will pay dividends on better plant health and improved produce harvested.
WATER – Locate a water source that will be convenient. While rainfall is important, supplemental watering to get plants or seeds started is essential. During the season thorough, deep watering will help your vegetables thrive and provide the results you want.
SELECTION – Types of plants to grow is a personal choice. Choose from varieties that will provide early, mid, and late harvests. This will give you fresh produce to enjoy all season and spread out the tasks of tending the garden. For more details, check out our list of vegetables and their planting information.
Where Should You Plant?
IN-GROUND – Planting directly in the soil is best for larger plantings or with many different plant types. Be sure to remove all weeds and plants before starting to plant. The direct soil method also allows planting in rows, such as green beans, lettuce, or peas.
IN POTS – Planting in containers is a convenient method and allows portability and flexibility of location. Pots must have drainage holes and be large enough to support the plants.
Direct Sow by Seed
Beans (all); Beet; Carrot; Corn; Cucumber; Leafy Greens; Peas; Pumpkins; Radish; Squash; Turnip
Transplant Yount Plants
Broccoli (Early); Cabbage (Early); Cauliflower (early); Cucumber; Eggplant; Melon; Pepper; Squash; Tomato
Plant from Root or Bulb
Asparagus; Garlic; Onions; Potatoes
Growing Season Care
FERTILIZE – Feed your plants to keep them healthy and strong. Granular Earl May Plant Food 1010-10 or Earl May Water-Soluble Nutri Gro is best.
ELIMINATE WEEDS – Plants that don’t belong in the garden or pots are weeds, and should be removed. Dig, cut, or pull them up to give your vegetable plants the proper room to grow and nutrition they need.
PESTS – Inspect plants for spots or discoloration of the foliage or for signs of anything chewing on the leaves. Consult your local Earl May Garden Center expert for the proper solution to control.
Products you might need
Nutri-Gro Bloom Builder
Our Bloom Builder plant food is a water-soluble, professional 10-54-10 formula with more phosphorus for plentiful blooms and more nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc for healthier plants. Bloom Builder is an Earl May exclusive product and guaranteed to perform.
Nutri-Gro Acid-Loving Plant Food
Our Acid-Loving Plant Food has been specifically developed to feed plants requiring an acid-based fertilizer. It is high in nitrogen and contains micronutrients such as iron, copper, boron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc to supply the secondary nutrients important for proper nutrition. The formula is quickly available to the plant. It is absorbed through the foliage (approximately 10%) and through the root system to maintain and promote overall plant vigor and good health.
Nutri-Gro All-Purpose Plant Food
All-purpose formula is great for any flower, herb, vegetable – indoor plants and outdoor plants alike. Nutri-Gro goes to work instantly with dual feeding power through both leaves and roots.
