Timing Is the Real Fertilizer
Cool-season crops prefer roughly 55–75°F averages; warm-season crops want warmer soils and nights. A soil thermometer beats a calendar guess.
Materials Required
- Season-matched seed
- Soil thermometer
- Fine seed-starting mix or prepped bed
- Labels + watering can
Step by Step
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Pick the season, then the crop
Warm roughly Mar–Aug (tomato, pepper, bean, squash). Cool roughly Sept–Dec and Feb–Mar (greens, broccoli, carrots, radish) per San Diego Master Gardeners.
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Check soil temperature
Tomato germinates best around 65–85°F soil; at 50°F it may take 40+ days. Lettuce prefers cooler soil.
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Prep a fine seedbed or sterile mix
Work beds when crumbly, not muddy. Trays: fine soilless mix — not heavy garden soil.
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Sow at the right depth and moisture
Follow packet depth. Keep evenly moist until emergence. Thin ruthlessly.
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Harden off transplants
Ease indoor starts outdoors over about two weeks before full sun and wind.
San Diego Tips
- South Coast UC timing charts beat generic national packet calendars.
- Aim for about 8 hours of sun; leafy cool crops tolerate a bit less.
Want help getting this done right? Gardens of Gold designs and installs water-smart landscapes across San Diego County. Get a quote.