LET'S READ ABOUT GARDENING

GARDENING TIPS

Wait until after the last frost to plant most things

^[1] Gardening is a great hobby. You work outside. You breathe fresh air. You exercise. And if you grow fruits and vegetables, then you get delicious food!

When to plant

^[2] Most plants need warm weather. So gardeners wait until after the last frost to plant outdoors. The last frost is the last day of freezing weather. In Portland, the last frost is usually in March.

^[3] Some plants like cool weather. You can plant them before the last frost. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage as well as lettuce and spinach. You can also plant onions, potatoes, and peas.

^[4] Some plants need hot weather. So you plant them in late May or early June. This group includes tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn, cucumbers, melons, and squash.

How to plant

^[5] Portland gardeners can plant most seeds in the ground after April 30th. However, some gardeners start their plants indoors. They plant in containers like trays and pots. Then they put the seedlings (little plants) outside when the weather is warmer. If they do this, they can have fresh fruits and vegetables sooner.

^[6] Gardening is fun. It is also healthy. But you need to pay attention to the calendar. If you start too early, then your plants will not grow. But don't wait too long! If you start too late, your fruits and vegetables won't be ready before winter!