Warm season
Tomato
Season: Warm season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with compost
Water: Deep consistent watering
When to plant: Transplant after frost and warm nights
Harvest: Summer to frost
Care note: Mulch and support.
Vegetable Garden Library
A simple vegetable library for raised beds, backyard gardens, patio containers, and first-time food growers.
Full mosaic guide
This overview poster is included for quick scanning. The individual cards below are better for mobile reading and search.
Vegetable Garden Library cards
Search by plant name, light, soil, season, or care note.
Warm season
Pepper
Season: Warm season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Warm, fertile, draining soil
Water: Moderate consistent water
When to plant: Transplant after soil warms
Harvest: Summer to fall
Care note: Avoid cold starts.
Warm season
Cucumber
Season: Warm season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, draining soil
Water: Even moisture
When to plant: After frost when soil is warm
Harvest: Pick frequently
Care note: Trellis to save space.
Warm season
Zucchini
Season: Warm season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich soil
Water: Deep water at base
When to plant: After frost
Harvest: Pick small and often
Care note: Watch mildew and squash bugs.
Cool season
Lettuce
Season: Cool season
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Loose fertile soil
Water: Consistent moisture
When to plant: Early spring and fall
Harvest: Cut outer leaves or heads
Care note: Bolts in heat.
Cool season
Spinach
Season: Cool season
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist soil
Water: Consistent moisture
When to plant: Early spring and fall
Harvest: Harvest leaves young
Care note: Best in cool weather.
Cool season
Carrot
Season: Cool season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Loose stone-free soil
Water: Even moisture during germination
When to plant: Early spring and late summer/fall
Harvest: When roots size up
Care note: Thin seedlings.
Cool season
Radish
Season: Cool season
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil: Loose draining soil
Water: Consistent moisture
When to plant: Spring and fall
Harvest: 3–5 weeks after sowing
Care note: Great beginner crop.
Warm season
Green Beans
Season: Warm season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average fertile soil
Water: Moderate
When to plant: After frost
Harvest: Pick young pods often
Care note: Bush beans are easy.
Cool season
Kale
Season: Cool season
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich soil
Water: Moderate consistent water
When to plant: Spring or fall
Harvest: Pick outer leaves
Care note: Flavor improves after cool weather.
Cool season
Broccoli
Season: Cool season
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich soil with steady nitrogen
Water: Consistent moisture
When to plant: Spring or fall transplants
Harvest: Cut main head before flowers open
Care note: Fall crops are often easier.
Cool to warm transition
Onion
Season: Cool to warm transition
Light: Full sun
Soil: Loose fertile soil
Water: Moderate
When to plant: Sets/transplants in early spring
Harvest: When tops fall over
Care note: Choose day-length type for region.