Ten Things You Should be Planting in Your New Jersey Zone 7A Garden Right Now

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Planting Guide for Late May in New Jersey Garden (Zone 7)

Late May is an ideal time to get into the garden in New Jersey’s Zone 7, as the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, perfect for sowing a variety of seeds and planting seedlings. Here’s a list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive when planted during this time:

Vegetables

  1. Tomatoes – It’s the perfect time to plant tomato seedlings, ensuring a bountiful summer harvest.
  2. Peppers – Both sweet and hot varieties do well when planted now.
  3. Cucumbers – Direct sow cucumber seeds or plant seedlings for fresh cucumbers in the coming months.
  4. Squash – Summer squash can be started now; consider varieties like zucchini and yellow squash.
  5. Beans – Direct sow beans now; both bush and pole types are suitable.
  6. Eggplants – Plant eggplant seedlings to take advantage of the upcoming warm months.
  7. Sweet Corn – If you have the space, planting corn can be rewarding and makes a great summer treat.

Herbs

  1. Basil – Ideal for planting now, basil loves the warmth that late spring brings.
  2. Parsley – This hardy herb can be sown directly or planted as seedlings.
  3. Dill – Direct sow dill now for a quick-growing herb that pairs wonderfully with summer dishes.

Bonus: Flowers

  1. Marigolds – Easy to grow from seed and beneficial for deterring garden pests.
  2. Sunflowers – Direct sow for a dramatic and cheerful addition to your garden.
  3. Zinnias – Plant from seed for colorful blooms that last all summer.
  4. Cosmos – These can be sown directly into the garden now for continuous blooms.

Tips for Success

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure your garden beds are well-prepared with compost and well-rotted manure to give plants the best start.
  • Watering: Newly planted seeds and seedlings will need regular watering, especially as the weather warms.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around new plantings to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Spacing: Pay attention to spacing recommendations on seed packets or plant tags to avoid overcrowding.

Planting now will set your garden up for a vibrant and productive season. Enjoy the planting process and look forward to a lush, bountiful garden!