Module Overview
In this module you will be introduced to criteria for selecting vegetable, fruit, and herb varieties associated with the 3 GTS growing methods. Each of the GTS plant varieties was selected for a specific planting method, harvest interval, and maturation period. A few of the varieties have germination rates suitable for both indoor seed starting and direct planting outdoors in raised beds.
Learning Goals
After this module, learners will be able to:
- Identify vegetable, fruit, and herb varieties to plant for growing in the 3 GTS growing systems.
- Select a planting method and intended season extension method for each variety.
- Reference the GTS Seed Guide and Planning and Planting Guide to determine an estimated timeline for seeding, germination, thinning and transplanting, season extension steps, and associated hands-on classroom learning activities.
Roadmap
These items will all appear, in order, in the module.
- READ & WATCH: Transplanting vs Direct Seeding
- READ: Direct Seeding in GTS
- REVIEW: GTS Seed Guide
- REVIEW: GTS Planning and Planting Guide
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Transplanting vs Direct Seeding
What is Direct Seeding?
Direct seeding means planting seeds right into the soil in your outdoor raised beds. Some plants, such as radishes, grow best when direct seeded because their taproots can be challenging to transplant.
What is Transplanting?
Transplanting refers to moving seedlings that were started from seed indoors in the seed starting kits to larger containers indoors or to the raised beds outdoors. This is done to allow the plants to continue growing to maturation and to keep the seedling from becoming pot-bound. Pot-bound plants have excessive root growth and lack adequate soil to provide oxygen, nutrients, and water. They have a higher chance of failure when planting in the garden due to the stressed root system.
Best Varieties to Transplant and to Seed Directly
The following video discusses which GTS vegetables grow best when seeded directly and which grow better after transplanting.
(1 minute, 29 seconds)
Watch this video on YouTube to access a full text transcript.
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Direct Seeding in GTS
Plants germinate best at certain temperatures and certain depths. Some seeds germinate better at cooler soil temperatures and others at warmer soil temperatures. In GTS, we directly seed spinach outside because it likes to germinate in cool temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth that is 3 times the seed width.
When direct seeding outdoors, a seed bed should be created by leveling the soil and removing any rocks or plant material. Plant the seeds according to the package direction and gently firm the soil over the seeds. Water the seed bed every one or two days until germination.
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GTS Seed Guide
Use this Seed guide when planting each month.
Downloadable PDF: GTS Seed Guide
| When to Plant | Where to Plant | Days to Germination | Days to Harvest | Special Instructions | |
| Round Radishes
“Easter Egg II” |
September | Direct seed in raised bed | 3-7 | 28-32 | Space or thin to at least 3″ apart. Use paper towel planting method with lower grades. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro/Coriander
“Cruiser” |
September | Direct seed in 12-18″ raised bed | 7-10 | 50-55 | Can plant in pots, also, to grow indoors under LED lighting or outdoors. Recommended spacing is 3-5″. |
| Basil (in pod)
“Genovese” |
September | Plant two pods in the AeroGarden | 6-12 | 30-60 | Harvest top growth to keep plants bushy and productive. |
| Sugar Snap Peas
“Sugar Ann” |
September | Direct seed | 7-10 | 42-56 | Plant as soon as possible. Seed along the north or east side of the raised bed, if possible. Recommended spacing is 3-4″. |
| Bok Choy
“Bopak F1 OG” |
October | Seed start under LED lights | 7-10 | 50 | Can transplant to raised bed or larger pots for a December harvest. Recommended spacing is 6-12″. |
| Kale
Any curly type |
November | Direct seed in raised bed | 7-10 | 60 | This is a hardy, curly kale. Leaves can be harvested at any size. Recommended spacing is 4-6″. |
| Spinach (savoyed)
“Bloomsdale” |
November | Direct seed in raised bed | 10-14 | 21-35 | May have poor germination. Will grow slowly in cold months. Recommended spacing is 4-6″. |
| Lettuce (Bibb)
“Buttercrunch MT0 OG” |
January | Seed start under LED lights | 3-5 | 28 to baby, 46 to full | Thin to one plant per pot. Can transplant seedlings to raised bed. Recommended spacing is 6-12″. |
| Tomato (in pod)
Red Heirloom |
January | Plant one pod in the AeroGarden | 7-14 | 28-42 | Follow AeroGarden instructions carefully, including covering all the unused openings. |
| Collard Greens
Vates, Top Bunch |
February | Plant half the 2″ pots in the tray | 3-7 | 50-55 | Transplant to raised bed in March or April. Space at least 12″ apart. Can eat the leaves. |
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Planning and Planting Guide
Refer to this guide for oprimized schoolyear growing.
GTS Planning and Planting Guide Image Transcript
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