What to Plant Now in New Jersey

As a gardener in New Jersey, you're fortunate to enjoy a diverse range of plants that can be cultivated throughout the year. The state's climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters, allows for a fascinating mix of both cool-season and warm-season crops. So, what can you plant right now in New Jersey? Let's dive into the world of gardening in the Garden State.

First, it's crucial to understand the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in New Jersey. Most of the state falls under Zone 6b, with some coastal areas in Zone 7a and higher elevations in Zone 5b. This knowledge will help you choose plants that are well-suited to your specific location.

Cool-Season Crops for Early Spring

Early spring in New Jersey is an excellent time to plant cool-season crops that can tolerate frost and thrive in cooler temperatures.

Leafy Greens and Brassicas

Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, kale, and collard greens are perfect for early spring planting. They grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) and can tolerate light frosts. Sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors for an earlier harvest.

Examples of varieties to consider include 'Black-Seeded Simpson' lettuce, 'Bloomsdale' spinach, and 'Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch' kale. You can also try brassicas like 'Tokyo Bekana' cabbage and 'Red Acre' cabbage, which have shorter growing seasons and can be harvested earlier.

Root Vegetables and Alliums

Root vegetables and alliums are also great choices for early spring. They can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring and will be ready for harvest before the summer heat sets in.

Consider planting 'Red Baron' radishes, 'Yukon Gold' potatoes, and 'Red Creole' onions. Garlic, which is a type of allium, can also be planted in early spring. Choose a variety like 'Music' garlic, which has a mild flavor and stores well.

Warm-Season Crops for Late Spring and Summer

As the weather warms up in late spring, it's time to turn your attention to warm-season crops that thrive in the heat and require longer growing seasons.

Tomatoes and Peppers

Tomatoes and peppers are classic warm-season crops that love the sun and warm temperatures. They should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date in your area and transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

For tomatoes, try 'Early Girl' or 'Sungold' for early harvests, and 'Brandywine' or 'Cherokee Purple' for heirloom varieties. For peppers, 'Sweet Banana' and 'Jalapeño M' are popular choices.

Cucumbers and Squash

Cucumbers and squash are fast-growing, heat-loving plants that produce an abundance of fruit throughout the summer. They can be sown directly into the ground after the last spring frost or started indoors for an earlier harvest.

Consider planting 'Straight Eight' cucumbers and 'Black Beauty' zucchini. For summer squash, try 'Yellow Crookneck' or 'Pattypan' varieties. Remember that cucumbers and squash have both male and female flowers, so you'll need at least one plant of each to ensure pollination and fruit production.

New Jersey's diverse climate and wide range of USDA Plant Hardiness Zones allow gardeners to enjoy a broad spectrum of plants throughout the year. By understanding the specific needs of cool-season and warm-season crops, you can create a thriving garden that provides fresh produce from early spring to late fall. So, get out there and start planting!