Some questions on when to do things

This is my second year SFG, but last year I didn't really get started till later in the spring. I'm trying to figure out when to start things this year, and when to direct plant outside. For instance, some cool weather plants (example: broccolini) say plant as soon as soil is workable. Well, it's Mel's mix, so it's workable now. Do I wait, or should I plant soon. Also, some seed packets just say "early spring", what does that mean?

Greetings! In this thread Seed starting dates there are links that will bring you to various calculators for planting. Give this a look see, you will probably have a number of your questions answered. Of course if you have more questions, please ask!

Lisaphoto,
I always plan my starting seeds and transplanting and sowing dates according to Mel's book, his planting charts.

I make up a notebook for each week with the dates and the number of weeks it is before last frost date. With Mel's charts in front of me, I start entering crop names that should be started that particular week.

Broccoli and Cabbage can be started 12 weeks before last frost and transplanted outdoors 5 weeks before last frost. That info is entered for that week for sowing and then at the 5 weeks before date for transplanting. I have one sheet of notebook paper for each growing week.
Weather can always make a slight difference on a particular day, so its not a bible, just a handy garden tool.

I can't work with 'diggable' since there might be a great week when the soil is terrific, but many long cold weeks are ahead and freezing temps for way too long a time. I'd rather work by weeks before and after according to the charts in my area, Zone 5a. Then if there's a short cold snap, heavy weight row covers or old blankets and towels can save a crop. Works for me.

Personally, I grab a blank calendar in January and dedicate it to planting notes for the year. I mark in my "frost dates" and start counting backwards. But, I can't seem to keep something even this simple organized.....I still get lost as to what I should be doing when.

I printed a VERY handy garden guide from this blog...

http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2009/01/free-download-2009-spring-garden.html

BackyardBirdGardner wrote:Personally, I grab a blank calendar in January and dedicate it to planting notes for the year. I mark in my "frost dates" and start counting backwards. But, I can't seem to keep something even this simple organized.....I still get lost as to what I should be doing when.

This is what I am doing THIS year, since what I have done in the past has NOT worked!

I direct planted my broccolini (broccoli raab) along with a lot of other plants in late April last year. (Could not plant sooner due to Snowmageddon, etc.)

What I found was that seeds came up when the time was right for them. I had some fears for some hot-weather plant (cucumbers, melon, etc) seeds rotting in the ground, but they too eventually showed up. Soooooo..... my suggestion is, plant your seeds in the Mel's Mix, and they'll grow!

Does anyone know if there is somewhere online I can find Mel's guide for when to plant and start everything? I borrowed the book from the library last year, and I really can't afford to buy it this year. And all I need is that guide.

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/e-PDGSeedStart.aspx?source=E_Calc_ReminderSeedStart_0211_CGCM

You should be able to acheive the same results from this handy online interactive list. Plug in your spring frost free date at the top and then it will tell you what date to start your seeds inside & also when to put outside.

jerzyjen wrote:http://www.johnnyseeds.com/e-PDGSeedStart.aspx?source=E_Calc_ReminderSeedStart_0211_CGCM

You should be able to acheive the same results from this handy online interactive list. Plug in your spring frost free date at the top and then it will tell you what date to start your seeds inside & also when to put outside.

Absolutely love this link. Instantly bookmarked. Thanks so much, Jen.

Thanks everyone!