Growing Seasons

The growing season is defined by average temperature and daylight hours. In North America, this term is typically used to refer to the time period between the first and last frost. The total time of daylight hours is dependent on the latitude at which the plants are put down. The average temperature at the latitude is critical always, as the average temperature increases as you move toward the equator and decreases as you move away from it.

In the United States the growing season is usually from about May to October. In Europe this season is typically April to October. The length of day, average temperature, soil conditions, and other factors contribute to specific regional plant growth.

Frost is significant as it usually indicates the first occurrence of freezing overnight temperatures. Frost is usually the limiting factor in most annuals. In tropical or sub-tropical areas, the weather is not the limiting factor, but water is. In the "dry" season, the water limitation causes plants to recede in that part of the year.

Most plants you will see in your local market will be divided into two categories - annuals and perennials. Annuals complete their lifecycle in a single season, and require seeding to renew and grow again. Perennials are persistent and renew themselves again and again in various growth cycles. Our vegetables will complete their lifecycles in a single season, and begin again with a new plant, next season.

Soil Issues and Geography

Potassium is one the most critical and important limiting factors in the growth of the plants. Listed below is the potassium information for many states:

Low Potassium
· Florida
· Georgia
· South Carolina
· Virginia
· Michigan, and
· Maine

Medium Potassium
· Alabama
· Louisiana
· Texas
· Ohio
· Pennsylvania
· New York
· Kentucky
· Tennessee
· Minnesota, and
· Wisconsin

High Potassium
· California
· Oregon
· Nevada
· New Mexico
· Arizona
· Idaho
· Washington
· Nebraska
· N. Dakota
· S. Dakota, and
· Utah

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