From Seed to Soil: Spring
Photography by SOMESENSE
As the days of spring grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about what crops you’ll plant in your summer garden. I’ve always been thrilled by the idea of growing something from seed, nurturing it from the ground up, and reaping the rewards in the warm months ahead. This year, I’m especially excited to share these top five picks for spring planting: melons, okra, cucumbers, marigolds, and sunflowers. Each of these plants has unique charms and growing quirks, making them perfect candidates for a thriving garden in zones 9 and 10.
To help bring these ideas to life, Brijette Peña, founder of the San Diego Seed Company, shares invaluable tips and insight into growing these crops locally. Choosing the right seeds for your Southern California garden can feel like a delightful challenge, but with guidance from experts like Peña and local gardening communities, you’ll be on your way to sowing success.
Whether you’re growing melons, okra, cucumbers, marigolds, or sunflowers, these plants bring both beauty and bounty to your garden. When you’re ready to get started, check out San Diego Seed Company for regionally adapted seeds that can help improve crop yields and produce better-quality fruits and vegetables for San Diego. From resilient vegetables to vibrant flowers, start with these tips and refer to seed packets for everything you need to know to start these plants this spring and enjoy a beautiful, productive garden this summer.
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your garden grow, one seed at a time.
Originally published in issue 77.
5 Seeds to Start in Spring
MELONS - A SWEET HARVEST
Melon seeds are easy to plant and thrive in warm soil. For success, sow your melon seeds in full sun and water regularly to ensure healthy growth. These heat-seeking plants will flourish in rising temperatures.
Peña recommends starting melons in early spring when the soil warms up, especially in growing zones 9 and 10 with long summers. She also emphasizes the importance of mulching around the plants to reduce water evaporation and keep moisture in the soil. “Melons require steady watering, but avoid overhead watering, which can lead to disease,” she notes. Keep an eye on the tendrils near the melon—a sign that your crop is nearing its sweet spot for harvest.
OKRA - THRIVES IN HEAT
Known for its resilience, okra grows tall and strong in hot summer months when most crops are wilting. You’ll love watching the plants bloom with stunning flowers, followed by the green, edible pods that are delicious in everything from gumbos to pickles or even as a natural gluten-free thickening agent.
Peña says, “Okra needs full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance.” Plant seeds directly in the ground, spacing them out for tall, sturdy plants. Look to harvest the pods before they become fibrous and enjoy nutritious okra all season long. “Although okra can be an acquired taste for some, we find that its resilience and ability to grow in the hostile and hot summer and fall seasons of zones 9 and 10 is a redeeming quality,” notes Peña.
CUCUMBERS - CRAVEWORTHY COOL CRUNCH
Whether you prefer them for pickling, as a snack, or in salads, cucumbers are a must-have in any garden. Peña suggests planting cucumber seeds when the soil has warmed up, as they need plenty of heat to thrive. The key to a bountiful crop is regular watering and choosing the right variety for your needs— whether it’s a small pickling cucumber or a larger slicing variety.
“For best results, plant cucumbers on a trellis,” she advises. “This saves space and keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the chance of disease.” Cucumbers are also a great way to teach kids about gardening: They’re easy to grow and offer quick rewards. Planting cucumbers in spring will ensure a steady harvest throughout the summer.
MARIGOLDS - BEAUTY AND PROTECTION
These cheery blooms work as natural pest deterrents because they keep aphids and other unwanted insects away from your crops, making them an excellent companion plant for your vegetable garden.
Peña recommends planting marigolds in well-drained soil with plenty of sun. They’re easy to start from seed and grow quickly, providing color and protection in no time. The best part? At the end of the season, you can collect seeds from your plants and replant them next year. A garden full of vibrant marigolds will add beauty and function to your space.
SUNFLOWERS - BRIGHTEN YOUR GARDEN
There’s nothing more iconic than a sunflower reaching toward the sky every spring. Whether you’re growing them for cut flowers, for pollinators, or to harvest the seeds, sunflowers are a must for any spring garden.
Growing sunflowers is straightforward: Sow seeds directly in the garden once the last frost has passed. They love the sun and grow quickly, often reaching impressive heights. “Sunflowers are great for attracting birds and pollinators, but you’ll also get to enjoy the seeds yourself when the heads mature,” Peña says.
Harvest sunflowers before the birds do and you can enjoy homegrown sunflower seeds all year long.
Kenise Adams
Kenise Adams is a freelance writer specializing in raw vegan and living whole foods. Kenise has interviewed California farmers for Edible San Luis Obispo and Edible San Diego and written e-books on juicing, gut cleansing, and raw vegan recipes.
