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Catmint Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:3”-4”
Plant Spacing:15”
Days to Germination:7-10 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F

Nepeta x faassenii. An herb, aromatic Catmint thrives in full sunlight in well-drained soil. It should be direct-sown into the garden after the last frost date but may also be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Provide even moisture and strong light during germination. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Once the seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant 15" apart. Catmint may bloom the first year if started early enough in the spring. To encourage a second wave of blooms in lush perennial borders, cut the flower stalks back after the flowers have faded. A prolific grower, it matures into huge bushy plants, which may be divid

Catnip Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois

Cauliflower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth: 1⁄4" - 1/2"
Row Spacing: 18" - 24"
Plant Spacing: 12"
Days to Germination: 5-12 days
Germination Temperature: 70°-75°F

Cauliflower should be grown as transplants. Six to 8 weeks prior to setting outside, place a few seeds in 4" pots in sterile seed mix. Place pots in a warm spot with good air ventilation, strong sunlight and even moisture.When 3 true leaves emerge, move to individual containers, feeding lightly. Gradually accustom seedlings to the outdoors when the danger of heavy frost has passed. Plant out only after temperatures have reached 60°F, but before they have reached 80°F.

Cauliflower is a fairly heavy feeder: amend the soil by adding well-rotted manure and/or compost. Work in organic fertilizer under each transplant and water well. To protect the color of the Cauliflower head, fold over one of the big leaves or tie leaves together gentl

Celeriac Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Row Spacing:18”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:10-28 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Challenging to grow, yet if you have savored its tonic sweetness, you know it is worth the trouble! Raise as transplants 10 to 12 weeks before setting out. Start early in order to produce a large root before a heavy frost in the fall. Sow seed shallowly, germinate in strong light, providing warmth (preferably 65°-75°F) and good air circulation. To ensure good germination, keep soil moist and pamper until seedlings emerge. Gradually accustom plants to the outdoors and plant in the garden after danger of frost has passed or when temperatures are consistently above 55°F. Celeriac has a ravenous appetite, growing best in rich, loamy, well-fed soil. Amend with lots of compost, well-rotted manure and balanced organic fertilizer. Regular watering will provide th

Four Season Farm
Harborside, Maine
Four Season Farm

Celery Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Row Spacing:24”-30”
Plant Spacing:6”-12”
Days to Germination:7-21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Celery is a bit finicky to get started but once set in the garden, the crop is relatively easy. Raise as transplants 12 weeks before the last frost. Soak the seed overnight then sow very shallowly, as light aids germination. Until seedlings emerge, pamper Celery with 65°-75°F warmth, strong light, good air circulation and even moisture. Once all danger of frost is past, “harden them off” by gradually acclimating the plants outdoors for 7 to 10 days. Celery needs lots of water and is a heavy feeder. Amend soil with organic compost and well-rotted manure as needed. Keep well weeded: do not cultivate deeply because it has shallow roots. Outer stalks can be harvested once they reach a suitable size. For best flavor and storage, water well the day before ha

Celosia Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:8”-12”
Days to Germination: 10-15 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F

Syn: Cockscomb, Prince of Wales Feathers. A tender annual, Celosia prefers to be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting outside after all danger of frost has passed. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells since Celosia hates root disturbances. Sow seeds on top of the soil mix, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light is needed for germination. Provide even, lukewarm moisture, strong light and warm temperatures above 60° F during germination. Prepare a garden bed that is in full to partial sunlight with rich, well-draining soil. Harden the plants off by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions over 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully transplant the seedlings into the garden, planting them 8" to 12" apar

Chamomile Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly

Four Season Farm
Harborside, Maine
Four Season Farm

The Essential Reference: Vegetables From Amaranth to Zucchini
by Elizabeth Schneider
HarperCollins Publishers
This comprehensive book is a market manual, an encyclopedia and a treasure trove of recipes for over 350 vegetables. Stunning photographs as well as chef commentary on selection and preparation tips make it a bible for the kitchen gardener. There's no reason to throw out perfectly good chard stems when a recipe calls for just the leaves. This thrifty dish reveals just how delicious the entire chard plant can be. Chard stems from which the leaves have been removed can be refrigerated in a sealed plastic bag for one day, so you can cook the leaves one day and the stems the next.

Chervil Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:12”-18”
Seed Spacing:3”-6”
Plant Spacing: 12”

Herbs may be either direct-sown outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, or started indoors for transplanting or container gardening. Herbs require moderately rich, well-draining soil with at least 5 hours of bright sunlight. To start indoors: sow lightly in sterilized seed mix, lightly moisten and cover with plastic wrap until germination takes place. Do not water again until sprouts emerge. Remove plastic wrap once sprouted. Transplant outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Some perennials like Lavender, Catnip or Savory prefer to be started indoors. Others such as Chives, Sage or Fennel prefer to be direct-sown outside once the soil has warmed. Most herbs dislike chemicals or over-fertilization. Feed lightly with kelp or fish emulsion once seedlings are well established. Keep lightly mois