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Growing Guide

Thank you for using the S.E.E.D.S. Library! Our mission is to bring the members of our community together and give them access to free seeds and the information they will need to grow their own plants. We hope to cultivate a flourishing network of gardeners, plant enthusiasts and avid learners who are dedicated to the sharing of seeds and knowledge. Use the tables below to find planting information for your new seeds!

Fruit/Veggie Name Description/Notes Days to Germination Days to Harvest Planting Depth (in inches) Plant Spacing Outdoor Planting Time
Arugula Spicy salad green 5-7 40-60 1/4 6″ x 6″ March-May & July-September
Asparagus Perennial stem vegetable 14-21 725-730 (not a typo) 1/2 2′ x 2′ May
Bean, Black-Eyed Pea & Cowpea Nutritious tender beans 7-10 80 1 3′ x 3″ May-June
Bean, Garden Classic, crisp green bean 6-8 55 1 – 1.5 20″ x 4″ May-June
Bean, Lima Plump, tender beans 6-8 65-85 1 – 1.5 20″ x 4″ May-June
Beet Earthy, unique root vegetable 6-8 58 1 1.5′ x 4″ March-May & August
Broccoli Edible florets & stems 10-15 70-90 1/2 3′ x 2′ March-April & June-July
Broccoli Rabe Small, flavorful florets 7-21 55 1/2 1′ x 1.5′ March-April & September-October
Cabbage Sweet, tender leaves 7-12 90-110 1/4 2′ x 3′ March-April & August-September
Carrot Crunchy & sweet. Tip: Carrot greens make for a tasty pesto, salad ingredient, or garnish 7-21 75 1/2 15″ x 3″ April-July
Cauliflower Tender, mild florets. Some cultivars can be other colors, even purple! 8-10 75 1/2 3′ x 2′ March-April & June-July
Celeriac Celery taste with a touch of sweetness and nuttiness 14-21 105-120 1/4 18″ x 24″ March-May
Celery Fibrous, edible stalks 14-21 100-125 1/4 8″ x 8″ March-April & July
Collard Greens Mild earthy flavor; chewy leaves 5-8 60-70 1/2 1′ x 1′ April-August
Corn Ears of sweet kernels 7-10 80-100 1/2 3′ x 20″ May-July
Cucumber Crunchy, slightly bitter, slicing vegetable. Typically served raw 8-10 60 1/2 2′ x 15″ April-July
Eggplant Mild flavor, pairs well with bold sauces & seasonings 10-14 75-85 1/4 3′ x 1.5′ April-May
Kale Dense, curly leaves 10-21 55 1/4 1.5′ x 2′ March-April & August-September
Leek Sweet, tender stems 10-15 150 1/2 15″ x 4″ April
Lettuce Bunching or loose-leaf, crisp or mild. Some cultivars may be speckled or red 7-10 30-60 1/4 1.5′ x 1.5′ March-April & July-August
Luffa Natural alternative for dishcloth or washcloth when dried 3-10 90-130 1 1.5′ x 2′ April-June
Melon A variety of shapes, colors, and sweetness 6-14 70-110 1/2 1.5′ x 1.5′ minimum May-June
Melon, Cantaloupe Juicy, orange melon 7 70-90 1/2 4′ x 4′ May-June
Melon, Honeydew Lightly sweet green melon 8-10 90-100 1/2 3′ x 3′ May-June
Melon, Watermelon Juicy red/pink melon 6-8 95-105 1 5′ x 6′ May-June
Microgreens Flavorful, tender baby greens 2-5 5-10 1/8 broadcast April-June
Mustard Greens Peppery salad green 4-8 21-40 1/4 1′ x 1.5′ April-August
Okra Mild, almost grassy flavored pods 10-14 55-65 1/4 3′ x 1.5′ May-June
Onion Crisp, strong flavor 10-12 115 1/2 18″ x 3″ March-April
Parsnip Sweet, white root vegetable 21-28 95 1/2 18″ x 3″ April-June
Pea Crisp pod, sweet peas 8-12 60-65 1.5 2′ x 2″ February-April & Late July
Pepper Spicy or sweet and mild, crisp flesh 10-14 65-85 1/4 2′ x 2′ March-May
Radish Crisp, sometimes spicy root vegetable. Some cultivars may be purple, white, or even black! 4-7 22 1/2 12″ x 1″ March-May & August
Rutabaga Sweet, turnip-like root vegetable 3-10 90 1/2 12″ x 2″ March-April & July-August
Scallion Crisp, bunching onion 10-12 60-65 1/2 12″ x 2″ March-May
Spinach Thick, buttery leaf 5-7 45 1/2 12″ x 6″ March-April & July-August
Squash A variety of shapes, textures, and flavors 7-14 75-110 1 – 1.5 1′ x 1′ minimum April-July
Squash, Butternut Hearty winter squash, great for roasting 7-14 75-85 1 4″ x 7′ April-June
Squash, Pumpkin Perfect for fall decor. Roast the seeds and slices of the hull 7-10 100 1 – 1.5 8′ x 8′ (Late) April-July
Squash, Spaghetti Hearty winter squash, healthy substitute for spaghetti 10-14 100 1 6′ x 6′ April-May
Squash, Summer Tender yellow squash 7-10 53 1 3′ x 4′ May-July
Squash, Zucchini Tender green squash 8-10 50 1 4′ x 1′ May-July
Strawberry Sweet & juicy red fruit 9-12 90-110 1/8 – 1/4 8″ x 3″ April-June
Swiss Chard Earthy, pleasantly bitter taste 7-10 30-60 3/4 18″ x 6″ April-July
Tomato Versatile fruit. Either determinate (set growth) or indeterminate (continuous growth) 7-10 varies (mostly by size) 1/4 3′ x 2′ April-June
Turnip Hearty, versatile root vegetable 7-10 55 1/2 18″ x 5″ March-April & July-August

Herb/Spice Name Description/Notes Days to Germination Days to Harvest Planting Depth (in inches) Plant Spacing Outdoor Planting Time
Basil Flavorful herb 5-10 85 1/4 10″ x 10″ April-July
Catgrass Fun (and safe) for cats! 5-15 80 1/4 broadcast April-July
Catnip Perennial herb, treat for cats 8-12 70-75 1/4 20″ x 20″ April-July
Chamomile Flowers commonly used for herbal teas 7-14 80 no depth 6″ x 6″ April-July
Chives Mild, onion-flavored plant 15-21 80 1/4 6″ x 6″ April-August
Chives, Garlic Mild, garlic-flavored plant 15-22 81 1/4 6″ x 6″ April-August
Cilantro (Coriander) Edible leaves and seeds 7-10 70 1/4 6″ x 6″ April-July
Cumin Flavorful seeds. Grind into a spice 7-10 120 1/4 6″ x 6″ April-May
Curled Cress Spicy salad green 10 45 1/4 4″ x 6″ April
Dill Robust, unique flavor 7-14 65 1/4 9″ x 9″ April-July
Fennel Vegetable, herb, and spice! 7-14 80 1/4 1′ x 1′ April-July
Lavender Fragrant, attractive flower 10-28 100-110 1/8 1.5′ x 1.5′ April-May
Lemon Balm Lemony perennial herb 12-21 68-72 1/2 2′ x 2′ April-May
Marjoram Grassy, lemony herb 8-14 70 1/4 6″ x 6″ February-March
Mint, Peppermint Refreshing, minty leaf 12-15 85-90 1/16 1′ x 1′ April-May
Oregano Aromatic cooking herb 14 85 1/4 1′ x 1′ April-July
Parsley Mild, all-purpose herb 21-28 75 1/4 10″ x 10″ April-June
Rosemary Fragrant, perennial herb 15-25 85-90 1/8 3′ x 3′ May-June
Sage Pleasant seasoning herb 10-20 70-80 1/4 1′ x 1′ May-June
Summer Savory Peppery, versatile herb 10-15 60-70 1/8 1′ x 1.5′ May-July
Tarragon Fragrant and flavorful 10-14 75-100 1/8 1.5′ x 1.5′ April-July
Thyme Woody, floral herb 10-15 60-70 1/8 1′ x 1.5′ May-July

Botanical Name Common Name Lifespan Max Height (ft) Bloom Time Bloom Color Light Soil Moisture Outdoor Planting Time Cold-Moist Stratification
Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow Perennial 1-1.5 June-September While Full sun, part sun Dry Spring -Summer No
Aquilegia canadensis Eastern Red Columbine Perennial 3 April-June Red and yellow Part shade, shade Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Milkweed Perennial 3 June-September Orange Full sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 30 days
Bidens aristosa Tickseed Sunflower Annual 4 July-November Yellow Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle Perennial 5 July-October Yellow, Green Part shade, shade Moist Spring-Summer No
Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry Perennial 6 May-July White, Pink Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Buttonbush Perennial 12 June-August White Full sun to full shade Moist to wet Spring -Summer No
Conoclinium coelestinum Blue Mistflower Perennial 1 – 3.5 July-October Purple Part sun, part shade Dry to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf coreopsis Perennial 3 March-August Yellow Full sun, part sun Dry Spring -Summer No
Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower Perennial 4 July-September Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master Perennial 4-6 June-August White, Blue Full sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Eupatorium hyssopifolium Hyssop-Leaved Thoroughwort Perennial 1-4.5 July-October White Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Eutrochium purpureum Purple Joe Pye Weed Perennial 6 July-September Purple Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 30 days
Helenium autumnale Common Sneezeweed Perennial 4 August-September Yellow Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Spring -Summer No
Hibiscus moscheuto Swamp Rose Mallow Perennial 3-6 July-September White, Pink, Red Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Hypericum prolificum Shrubby St. John’s Wort Perennial 4 July-September Yellow Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Liatris ligulistylis Meadow Blazing Star Perennial 4 July-October Pink, Purple Full sun Moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Liatris spicata Dense Blazing Star Perennial 4 July-August Purple Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia Perennial 1-5 July-September Blue Full sun to full shade Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Ludwigia alternifolia Seedbox Perennial 1.5-3 May-July Yellow Full sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot Perennial 4 July-August Pink, Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Monarda punctata Spotted Bee Balm Perennial 2 July-September Pink, Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beardtongue Perennial 5 April-July White Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 30 days
Penstemon hirsutus Hairy Beardtongue Perennial 1-2 May-July White, Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Physostegia virginiana Obedient Plant Perennial 1.5-5 August-November White, Pink, Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Pycnanthemum muticum Short-toothed Mountain Mint Perennial 3 July-September White Part sun, part shad Dry Spring -Summer No
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Slender Mountain Mint Perennial 2 June-September White Part sun, part shade Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Pycnanthemum virginianum American Mountain Mint Perennial 3 June-September White Part shade Moist Spring -Summer No
Rudbeckia fulgida Orange Coneflower Perennial 1.5-3.5 July-October Orange Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Rudbeckia hirta Black Eyed Susan Perennial 2.5 May-August Yellow Full sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 30 days
Rudbeckia laciniata Cutleaf Coneflower Perennial 3-10 July-October Yellow Full sun to full shade Moist to wet Fall-Winter 30 days
Rudbeckia triloba Brown-Eyed Susan Perennial 2-5 June-October Yellow Full sun to part shade Dry to moist Fall-Winter 30 days
Salvia lyrata Lyreleaf Sage Perennial 2 May-July Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Sisyrinchium angustifolium Blue-Eyed Grass Perennial 0.5-1.5 March-July Blue, Purple Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring -Summer 60 days
Solidago caesia Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod Perennial 1-3.5 August-October Yellow Full sun to full shade Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Solidago odora Sweet Goldenrod Perennial 1.5-5 July-October Yellow Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Solidago speciosa Showy Goldenrod Perennial 2-6.5 August-October Yellow Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Symphyotrichum laeve Smooth Blue Aster Perennial 4 August-October Purple Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Spring -Summer No
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Aster Perennial 6 August-November Purple Full sun, part sun Moist to wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Verbesina occidentalis Yellow Crownsbeard Perennial 3-8 August-October Yellow Full sun, part sun Dry to Moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Vernonia noveboracensis New York Ironweed Perennial 3.5-8 August-October Purple Full sun, part sun Moist to Wet Fall-Winter 60 days
Veronicastrum virginicum Culver’s Root Perennial 5 June-August White Full sun, part su Dry to moist Spring -Summer No
Yucca filamentosa Adam’s Needle Yucca Perennial 2.5 June-September White Full sun Dry Spring -Summer No

Botanical Name Common Name Lifespan Max Height (ft) Bloom Time Bloom Color Light Soil Moisture Outdoor Planting Time Cold-Moist Stratification
Chasmanthium latifolium Northern Sea Oats Perennial 2-5 June-September Green Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Fall-Winter 60 days
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Love Grass Perennial 2 July-August Purple Full sun, part sun Dry Spring-Summer No
Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Perennial 4 July-September Pale yellow Full sun, part sun Dry to moist Spring-Summer No
Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Perennial 3 July-October Blue, silver Full sun, part sun Dry Spring-Summer No
Sorghastrum nutans Indian Grass Perennial 6 August-September Yellow Part sun Dry Spring-Summer No

Common Name Lifespan Max Height (ft) Bloom Time Standard Bloom Color Planting Depth (inches) Plant Spacing Outdoor Planting Time
Alyssum Annual 0.5 April-May & September-October White 1/8 1″ x 4″ April-June
Cosmos Annual 3-5 July-October Mixed Colors 1/4 1.5′ x 1.5′ April-June
Gypsophila Annual 1.5 May-August White 1/8 2″ x 3″ April-June
Helichrysum Annual 2-3 May-August Mixed Colors 1/4 1″ x 2″ April-June
Marigold Annual 2-3 June-October Yellow, Orange, Red 1/4 2″ x 3″ April-June
Nasturtium Annual 0.75 June-October Yellow, Orange, Red 1/4 6″ x 12″ May-June
Petunia Annual 1.5 May-October Mixed Colors 1/8 1″ x 8″ April-June
Poppy Annual 1-1.5 July-October Yellow, Orange 1/4 1″ x 2″ April-June
Snapdragon Annual 3-3.5 July-October Mixed Colors 1/8 2′ x 2′ April-May
Sorghum Annual 6-12 September-October Mixed Colors 1 8″ x 36″ May-June
Sunflower Annual 6-12 July-October Yellow, Orange 1 2′ x 3′ April-June
Sweet William Biennial 1-2 May-June Mixed Colors 1/8 1″ x 1″ April-June
Zinnia Annual 2.5-3.5 June-October Mixed Colors 1/2 18″ x 24″ May-June

University of Maryland Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar
Note: Many species can be planted at multiple points throughout the year

Winter – December & January

Start planning your garden and winter sow your seeds to give them a head start on the growing season. Sow seeds for native plants requiring cold-moist stratification.
Plant crops like: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, and Swiss Chard
Plant herbs like: Dill, Lavender, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, and Thyme

Spring – March & April

The best time for planting most vegetables directly in the ground is after the last frost of the season. The average last frost date in St. Mary’s County is April 10. Brassicas (cruciferous vegetables) can be planted one month before the last frost. Winter sow your seeds about one month earlier than when you would normally plant the seed outdoors. Sow seeds for native plants not requiring cold-moist stratification.
Plant crops like: Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Bok choy, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Leek, Lettuce, Melon, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, and Tomatoes
Plant herbs like: Basil and Cilantro

Summer – June & July

Often, second plantings take place during the summer. Plant native plants not requiring cold-moist stratification. Plant all herbs.
Plant crops like: Beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumber, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Turnip, and Watermelon

Fall – September & October

Leafy Greens are much easier to grow in the fall than in spring.
Plant “cold-weather” crops like: Beets, Carrots, Cruciferous vegetables (like Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli Rabe, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Collard Greens, Cauliflower, Kale, Mustard Greens, Radish, Rutabaga, Turnip), Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Native plants requiring cold-moist stratification

Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial. Plan your garden to allow it space to grow back year over year.
Corn
Corn needs to be densely planted to ensure pollination. Plant in blocks, not rows.
Cucumber
Best grown using a trellis to support vines
Lettuce
In warmer climates (like ours), consider planting lettuce where it can get afternoon shade. This will help prevent bolting.
Onion
Requires regular watering due to shallow roots
Root Vegetables
If you have very hard, compact soil, dig down several inches to loosen the soil, then plant your seeds at their proper depth. Remove any rocks you may unearth while digging.
Squash
Grow in 12″ diameter hills spaced at least 4′ apart. Plant 4-6 seeds per hill. This gives squash room to sprawl, which it is apt to do.


Review our S.E.E.D.S. Informational Binder for more information and details about gardening and the Seed Library

Questions about the S.E.E.D.S. Library? Ask at your local Library for information, or email Nicole Bega at nbega@stmalib.org.