What Edibles Grow Best in My Pacific Northwest Garden?
Spring is here and it is time to get started on your gardening chores. Before you come in to Greenwood Hardware to get a great deal on seeds or starter plants, you need to know which plants are best for the Pacific Northwest weather. Unfortunately, there are some fruits and vegetables that do not grow well in the mild climate we love here in the Pacific Northwest. Because of the short growing season, you will need to choose your plants carefully and you will need to have an array of supplies to help your garden be the best you can grow. You can find everything you need at Greenwood Hardware. When choosing seed packets, look for plants that will be ready for harvest in 120 days or less.
Some edibles that grow well are listed below:
- Beans
- Sweet peas
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Lettuce/Cabbage
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Strawberries
Our drizzly weather makes for some very lush soil, which most plants love. You will need to pay close attention to your garden to make sure it is not becoming oversaturated. Too much water can lead to root rot and leave plants vulnerable to disease. When the fruit has formed on the plants, it is important to keep cucumbers, strawberries and tomatoes fairly dry. During a particularly rainy season, it is a good idea to cover your plants with a row cover. These are also great tools for keeping pesky bugs off your plants as well.
Speaking of bugs, all our wet weather makes the Pacific Northwest a lovely place for aphids, slugs and snails. These pesky critters may be small, but they can do a lot of damage to your plants. You will need to protect your plants from these pests. You have several options to choose from and can find a variety of products at your local hardware store. You can also opt for manual removal, but this can be very difficult and time consuming (and it’s not so easy on your back, either).
Before planting any of your edibles outdoors, pay attention to the hardiness of a given plant. It is advisable to wait until your area’s last frost date. In the Pacific Northwest, the end of April to beginning of May are typically the ideal planting times. Plants like strawberries, onions, garlic and beets can handle the cold and are generally safe to plant in early April. You can add a layer of protection for your plants by adding mulch around the plants for better insulation.
A greenhouse is an excellent option to get a jump start on your gardening. You can start seeds inside your greenhouse and have healthy plants ready to go out as soon as the risk of frost is over. If you would like to get started on your edibles garden, head on into Greenwood Hardware and pick up what you need to create your own sustainable harvest. And if you have any questions, we are here for you. Come on in, or contact us online today!