Outdoor planting season is just around the corner here in Bozeman! 

In gardening, timing is everything. If you put seeds in the ground too soon, before the soil warms up adequately, you run the risk of them rotting in the ground. If you put them in too late, they may not mature on time. As gardeners, understanding the planting calendar for your region is really important.

Below, I will give you approximate planting dates for the Gallatin Valley. Remember that even with a planting calendar, there are likely microclimates on your property and within the region so if you are new to gardening this season, use these dates as a guide and adjust accordingly. If your neighbors garden, it's also good to check with them. Also remember to take good notes at the beginning of the season, these will help you in subsequent years to adjust your timing.

Here's the planting calendar I usually reference year after year. Sticking to this timing has allowed me to get great yields and mature crops year after year.

April 20 - May1
Direct seed - Spinach, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots, Peas

~ May 15
Direct seed - Sweet corn, Potatoes, Beets
Transplant - Kohlrabi, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Onions

Memorial Day
Direct seed - Cucumbers, Squash, Beans
Transplant - Tomatoes, Melons

First week of June
Transplant - Basil, Peppers

With the warm season crops that are transplanted, I am usually protecting them with either row cover or wall-o-waters even when I put them in at the specified time. Our nighttime temperatures end of  May and early June are still quite cool so it's best to keep them covered! 

Good luck!

Spring has arrived here in Bozeman and I've been planting greens in our greenhouse, starting tomato and pepper plants, and getting ready for the busy season ahead. As we move into the growing season, I will continue to share tips and insights for getting the most out of your gardens this season. 

Today, I want to share this short video about My Top 3 Gardening Tools. When you get into gardening, there seems to be a tool out there for everything. From seeding, to aerating soil, to planting bulbs or pruning fruit trees, you could buy a specific tool for each task. The choices, not surprisingly, seem to be endless. Yet, you can get by in the garden with just a few key tools. The ones I go over in this video are tools that I use over and over again throughout the growing season. If you have a limited budget and can only invest in a few tools, these are the ones I would recommend you buy. 

Then, I would love to hear from you. Please share your favorite gardening tools with me in the comments below. What tools do you use time and time again in the garden?

Happy Spring and I will see you soon!

​Kareen