Watermelon

Size: Vines grow up to 10 feet long.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is ideal.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week

Soil requirements: Average, well-drained garden soil high in organic matter. Melons prefer soil that is consistently moist and temperatures that are hot. Mulching with black plastic keeps the ground warm and moist, especially helpful in northern climates.

When to plant: Seeds can be sown directly into the garden when soil temperatures reach a minimum of 65 degrees F. For better results, start seeds indoors in peat pots three to four weeks before planting outside.

Where to plant: Garden (Trellis vines to keep fruit off ground and save garden space.)

When to harvest: 80 to 100 days. Harvest when the tendril closest to the stem is dry and brown and a yellow spot forms on the fruit’s underside.

Produce storage: Store at 45 to 50 degrees F in high humidity.

Size: Up to 18 inches tall and 36 inches across

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight is ideal.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week (Mulching well cuts down on watering.)

Soil requirements: Average, well-drained garden soil rich in organic matter. Optimum pH is 6.5.

When to plant: Direct-seed after the danger of frost has passed, or start seeds indoors in peat pots under lights three to four weeks before planting outside.

Where to plant: Garden (This is best because plants grow large.); containers (5 gallons or larger)

When to harvest: 50 to 60 days after seeding. Harvest when fruits are young (6 to 8 inches in length), as they are the most tender.

Produce storage: Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Wash, slice or shred, and freeze for year-round use.

Size: Indeterminate vines grow large unless pruned; fruits weigh 12 to 18 ounces each.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch of water per week is required for maximum growth. Water the root zone as needed, and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations of soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be started indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors.

Where to plant: Garden; containers (8-gallon minimum)

When to harvest: 80 days from transplant.

Produce storage: Store at room temperature for best flavor.

Size: Indeterminate vines grow large unless pruned; they produce an abundant number of 1/2-inch fruits.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch of water per week is required for maximum growth. Water the root zone as needed, and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations of soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be started indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors.

Where to plant: Garden; containers (8-gallon minimum)

When to harvest: 65 days from transplant.

Produce storage: Store at room temperature for best flavor.

Size: 8 to 12 ounces.

Sunlight requirements: Full (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch per week — water the root zone as needed and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations in soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: 6.0-6.8 pH, Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be started indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors.

Where to plant: Garden; containers (8-gallon minimum)

When to harvest: 85 days after transplanting.

Produce storage: Good for canning or store at room temperature.

Size: 4 ounces

Sunlight requirements: Full (A minimum of six to eight hours per day is ideal.)

Water requirements: A minimum of 1 inch per week—water the root zone as needed and keep foliage dry to deter foliar diseases. Proper mulching aids in prevention of blossom end rot, drought stress and other issues associated with fluctuations in soil-moisture levels.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best. Soils high in nitrogen will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of good fruit production.

When to plant: Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and nights remain warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be started indoors under lights four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors.

Where to plant: Garden, containers (5-gallon minimum).

When to harvest: 85 days after transplanting.

Produce storage: Only tomatoes used for Neapolitan pizza; good for sauces and canning.

Size: 8 to 10 inches

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (will tolerate partial shade in summer)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week (Overwatering may result in disease and slug issues.)

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil, high in organic matter. Excessive nitrogen encourages overly-tender growth and potential aphid issues.

When to plant: Seed indoors 4 weeks before transplanting, or direct-seed in early spring when soil temperatures are at least 40 degrees F. Lettuce is a cool-season crop, so early planting is key. Sow more seeds every two or three weeks throughout spring for longer harvests.

Where to plant: Garden; containers

When to harvest: When leaves are 1 to 2 inches in length (baby romaine); 50 to 65 days after seeding (full-sized heads)

Produce storage: Ready-to-harvest lettuce can remain in the garden for several weeks during cooler weather. Once picked, store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Size: 12 to 24 inches

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six hours is ideal.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil, high in organic matter

When to plant: Direct-seed when soil temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees F.

Where to plant: Garden; containers

When to harvest: When 1 to 2 inches in length (young leaves); 60 days after planting (full-sized leaves). Harvest outer leaves for summer-long harvests.

Produce storage: Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.