For all the garden folks out there i have put together a garden guide. download and share it as your own. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QkeBGG71tMjJo0GnNuCfL-Ai9JslIiK3YeN5zyIl6Z4/edit?usp=sharing

Garden Crops Times, Temps, and Beneficial Friends

Here is where I get my seeds: www.marysheirloomseeds.com
This is the soil testing tool I use to measure seed starting temps. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP61J9QT
My list includes companion planting groups and benefits with seed germination depths, soil temps, and the number of plants needed for one adult for a year's supply of food.

Spinach Group (Cool-Season Leafy Greens with Pest Protection)

• Spinach
• Soil Temp: 40–75°F
• Minimum: 40°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: ½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost; transplant when 2–3 true leaves form.
• Average grow harvest times: 40–50 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~0.5 lb/plant; 2–3 succession crops, ~15 lbs total)
• Notes: Cool-season leafy green; pairs well with early flowers.
• Lettuce
• Soil Temp: 40–75°F
• Minimum: 40°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Start 4–6 weeks before last frost; transplant at 3–4 weeks old.
• Average grow harvest times: 45–60 days (leaf), 60–75 days (head)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 15–25 (yields ~0.5–1 lb/plant; 2–3 crops, ~15–20 lbs)
• Notes: Cool-tolerant; benefits from early pollinators.
• Kale
• Soil Temp: 40–75°F
• Minimum: 40°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: ½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant when 4–6 inches tall.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–65 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 10–15 (yields ~1–2 lbs/plant; continuous harvest, ~15–20 lbs)
• Notes: Hardy; pest-repellent flowers boost resilience.
• Nasturtium (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 40–75°F
• Minimum: 40°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, use peat pots 2–4 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–60 days (flowers/leaves)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; supplemental, ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Repels aphids, protects leafy greens.
• Radishes
• Soil Temp: 45–85°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: ½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow best; greenhouse not needed due to fast growth.
• Average grow harvest times: 20–30 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 50–75 (yields ~0.25 lb/plant; 3–4 crops, ~15–20 lbs)
• Notes: Trap crop for root pests; quick growth aids timing.
• Benefits: Nasturtium deters pests like aphids, while radishes break soil and distract root feeders.

Peas Group (Cool-Season Legumes with Companions)

• Peas
• Soil Temp: 40–75°F
• Minimum: 40°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 5–7
• How deep to plant seeds: 1–1½ inches
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, sow 4–6 weeks before last frost in pots.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–70 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 30–50 (yields ~0.5 lb/plant; 1–2 crops, ~15–25 lbs)
• Notes: Nitrogen-fixer; base crop.
• Carrots
• Soil Temp: 45–85°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow best; greenhouse not practical due to taproot.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–80 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 75–100 (yields ~0.25 lb/plant; 2 crops, ~20–25 lbs)
• Notes: Loosened soil from peas aids carrot roots.
• Calendula (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 45–75°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after hardening.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–60 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Attracts pollinators, repels pests for peas.
• Benefits: Peas enrich soil with nitrogen, aiding carrots; calendula draws pollinators and deters pests.

Potatoes Group (Root Crops with Pest Deterrence)

• Potatoes
• Soil Temp: 45–70°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 3–4 inches (seed potatoes)
• Greenhouse starting info: Chit indoors 4–6 weeks before planting; plant outdoors.
• Average grow harvest times: 70–120 days (new potatoes 45–55 days)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 10–15 (yields ~5–10 lbs/plant; ~50–75 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; susceptible to beetles.
• Beets
• Soil Temp: 45–85°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ½–1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, start 4–6 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–70 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~1–2 lbs/plant; 2 crops, ~25–40 lbs)
• Notes: Similar soil needs; companion root crop.
• Onions
• Soil Temp: 45–85°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch (seeds), 1 inch (sets)
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant sets/seedlings.
• Average grow harvest times: 90–120 days (from sets), 120–150 days (from seeds)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~1–2 lbs/plant; ~25–40 lbs)
• Notes: Repels potato pests like Colorado potato beetles.
• Marigold (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 60–85°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost passes.
• Average grow harvest times: 45–60 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Deters nematodes, protects roots.
• Benefits: Onions and marigolds repel pests (beetles, nematodes), while beets and potatoes share cool-season timing.

Broccoli Group (Cool-Season Crucifers with Support)

• Broccoli
• Soil Temp: 45–75°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant at 4–6 inches.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–90 days (from transplant)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 10–15 (yields ~1–2 lbs/plant; 2 crops, ~15–25 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; pest-prone.
• Onions (shared with Potatoes Group)
• Soil Temp: 45–85°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch (seeds), 1 inch (sets)
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant sets/seedlings.
• Average grow harvest times: 90–120 days (sets), 120–150 days (seeds)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~1–2 lbs/plant; ~25–40 lbs)
• Notes: Deters cabbage worms and aphids.
• Calendula (shared with Peas Group)
• Soil Temp: 45–75°F
• Minimum: 45°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after hardening.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–60 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Traps pests, attracts beneficials.
• Benefits: Onions and calendula protect broccoli from pests like cabbage worms.

Tomatoes Group (Warm-Season Nightshades with Pollinators)

• Tomatoes
• Soil Temp: 60–85°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–85 days (from transplant)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (yields ~10–20 lbs/plant; ~50–100 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; benefits from pollination.
• Marigold (shared with Potatoes Group)
• Soil Temp: 60–85°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost passes.
• Average grow harvest times: 45–60 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Repels nematodes, aids tomato roots.
• Eggplant
• Soil Temp: 65–95°F
• Minimum: 65°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil is warm.
• Average grow harvest times: 70–90 days (from transplant)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (yields ~5–10 lbs/plant; ~25–50 lbs)
• Notes: Similar needs; shares pollinators.
• Peppers
• Soil Temp: 65–95°F
• Minimum: 65°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼–½ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after 65°F+.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–80 days (from transplant)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (yields ~5–10 lbs/plant; ~25–50 lbs)
• Notes: Companion nightshade; pest protection helps.
• Benefits: Marigolds deter pests; eggplant and peppers share pollinators with tomatoes.

Cucumbers Group (Warm-Season Vines with Pollinators)

• Cucumbers
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant after 60°F+.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–70 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (yields ~10–20 lbs/plant; ~50–100 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; pollinator-dependent.
• Squash (Summer or Zucchini)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil is warm.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–60 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 3–5 (yields ~15–25 lbs/plant; ~45–75 lbs)
• Notes: Shares pollinators; similar vine growth.
• Sunflower (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, start 2–4 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 70–100 days (seeds/flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (seeds ~1–2 lbs/plant; ~5–10 lbs)
• Notes: Attracts bees, shades vines.
• Benefits: Sunflowers draw bees for cucumber and squash pollination.

Beans Group (Warm-Season Legumes with Companions)

• Beans (Snap or Green)
• Soil Temp: 60–85°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1–1½ inches
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, start 2–3 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–65 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~0.5–1 lb/plant; ~15–25 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; nitrogen-fixer.
• Corn (Sweet)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1–1½ inches
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow best; if indoors, start 2–3 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–90 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~1–2 ears/plant, ~10–20 lbs)
• Notes: “Three Sisters” partner; beans climb corn.
• Squash (Summer or Zucchini) (shared with Cucumbers Group)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil is warm.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–60 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 3–5 (yields ~15–25 lbs/plant; ~45–75 lbs)
• Notes: Ground cover; deters pests.
• Benefits: “Three Sisters” trio—beans enrich soil, corn provides structure, squash suppresses weeds.

Watermelon Group (Warm-Season Melons with Pollinators)

• Watermelon
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant at 70°F+.
• Average grow harvest times: 70–100 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 3–5 (yields ~20–40 lbs/plant; ~60–100 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; pollinator-reliant.
• Pumpkin
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms.
• Average grow harvest times: 90–120 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 2–4 (yields ~20–50 lbs/plant; ~40–100 lbs)
• Notes: Shares pollinators; similar sprawling habit.
• Honeydew Melon (New Addition)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant when soil reaches 70°F+.
• Average grow harvest times: 75–100 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 3–5 (yields ~15–30 lbs/plant; ~45–90 lbs)
• Notes: Warm-season melon; requires pollinators like bees, pairs well with sunflower; sweet, pale green flesh.
• Sunflower (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 60–95°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: 1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Direct sow preferred; if indoors, start 2–4 weeks before last frost.
• Average grow harvest times: 70–100 days (seeds/flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (seeds ~1–2 lbs/plant; ~5–10 lbs)
• Notes: Boosts bee activity for melons.
• Benefits: Sunflowers enhance pollination for watermelon, pumpkin, and honeydew melon, critical for fruit development.

Strawberries Group (Berry with Pollinators)

• Strawberries (from seed)
• Soil Temp: 60–80°F
• Minimum: 60°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 7–10
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼ inch (light needed)
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost; transplant after hardening.
• Average grow harvest times: 90–120 days (from seed; faster from runners)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 20–30 (yields ~0.5–1 lb/plant; ~15–25 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; pollinator-dependent.
• Zinnia (Flower)
• Soil Temp: 65–85°F
• Minimum: 65°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–75 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Attracts bees and butterflies for berries.
• Benefits: Zinnias draw pollinators, increasing strawberry yield.

Okra Group (Heat-Loving Crop with Support)

• Okra
• Soil Temp: 65–95°F
• Minimum: 65°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ½–1 inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost; transplant at 70°F+.
• Average grow harvest times: 50–65 days
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 10–15 (yields ~2–4 lbs/plant; ~20–40 lbs)
• Notes: Base crop; heat-tolerant.
• Zinnia (shared with Strawberries Group)
• Soil Temp: 65–85°F
• Minimum: 65°F
• Days at minimum temp before planting: 10–14
• How deep to plant seeds: ¼ inch
• Greenhouse starting info: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms.
• Average grow harvest times: 60–75 days (flowers)
• Number of plants needed for a year’s supply: 5–10 (edible garnish, ~0.25 lb/plant; ~2–3 lbs)
• Notes: Pollinators aid okra flowers.
• Benefits: Zinnias boost pollination and add beauty to okra’s patch.

Notes 

How deep to plant seeds: Depths are standard for direct sowing; some (e.g., strawberries) need light, so shallow planting is key.
Greenhouse starting info: Cool-season crops (spinach, lettuce) can start early indoors; warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, melons) benefit from extended greenhouse time in colder climates. Direct-sow crops (carrots, beans) prefer minimal root disturbance.

Key Insights

• Cool-Season Crops (40–45°F): 5–10 days. These (spinach, peas, carrots, etc.) are forgiving and can handle shorter warm spells, though 7–10 days improves outcomes.
• Warm-Season Crops (60°F): 7–14 days. Tomatoes, beans, squash, etc., need longer stability; 10 days is a safe average, with heat-lovers like watermelon pushing 14.
• Hottest Crops (65°F): 10–14 days. Peppers, eggplant, and okra thrive only with sustained warmth, making 14 days ideal in cooler climates.