Or, for 2018, at the very least.

What better time to think about a summer’s harvest than the moment we emerged from a record-setting spell of brutally cold weather. Miranda the Garden Cat spent her nights atop a heating pad and hand warmers (only because they were fresh out of paw warmers) and MNPS decided to shut down for an inch of snow. For sanity’s sake, it’s time to start thinkin’ on next year’s harvest.

Last year’s promised third bed never became a reality, thanks to an overlong construction nightmare — a nightmare that left us with a dreamy Garden Fort, so I can’t really complain. This year, however, that bed’s gonna’ happen because, in addition to a second revenue stream, the Endurer finally has the workshop of his dreams.

Plants on Deck Spring & Summer Planting Calendar

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Nashville’s last frost is expected to occur around April 6. Since the dates are calculated using the 1981-2010 climate normals, I feel pretty confident reserving the first week of April for planting most of the spring crops. For others, I’m going with my gut and will be getting dirty a little earlier. You’ll notice some repeats, it’s intentional; we’re going for an extended harvest. You’ll also notice that I’ve given myself some wiggle room, including two whole weekends to plant. Because. Well. Life.

Seedlings we’ll take care of in-house. Starts will come from Nashville’s amazing Bate’s Nursery.

Seed Indoors

January 20: Celeriac
March 1: Basil
March 1: Peppers

Direct Sow February 24

Arugula
Peas
Sugar Snap Peas

Direct Sow March 10-17

Carrots
Cauliflower
Fennel
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mustard greens
Peas
Potatoes
Rutabaga
Spinach
Turnips

Direct Sow March 31-April 7

Carrots
Chard
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach

Direct Sow April 14-21

Beans
Carrots
Celeriac seedlings
Lemongrass starts
Pepper seedlings
Radishes
Tomato starts

Direct Sow April 28-May5

Beans
Black-eyed Peas
Chard
Corn
Cucumber
Lima beans
Muskmelon
Peas
Peppers seedlings
Zucchini

Direct Sow July 7-14

Beans
Fennel
Kale
Leeks
Zucchini