This guide covers what to plant, when, and how in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a, which includes northern West Virginia and Appalachian Ohio. Last frost is typically mid-April. First frost is mid-October. Growing season is approximately 180 days.
Starting Seeds Indoors
| Crop | Start Indoors | Transplant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 6-8 weeks before last frost | 2-3 weeks before last frost | Hardy, tolerates light frost |
| Cabbage | 6-8 weeks before last frost | 2-3 weeks before last frost | Needs consistent moisture |
| Swiss Chard | 4-6 weeks before last frost | After last frost | Continuous harvest all season |
| Lettuce | 4-6 weeks before last frost | 2-3 weeks before last frost | Succession plant every 2 weeks |
| Tomatoes | 6-8 weeks before last frost | After last frost | Wait for soil to warm |
| Peppers | 8-10 weeks before last frost | After last frost | Need warm soil and air |
| Eggplant | 8-10 weeks before last frost | After last frost | Most heat-loving |
Direct Sowing Outdoors
| Crop | When to Sow | Depth | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fava Beans | Early spring (as soon as soil workable) | 2 inches | 6 inches apart |
| Peas | 4-6 weeks before last frost | 1 inch | 2 inches apart |
| Spinach | 4-6 weeks before last frost | 1/2 inch | 3-4 inches apart |
| Radishes | 2-4 weeks before last frost | 1/2 inch | 1 inch apart |
| Carrots | 2-3 weeks before last frost | 1/4 inch | 2-3 inches apart |
| Beets | 2-3 weeks before last frost | 1/2 inch | 3-4 inches apart |
| Corn | After last frost, soil warm | 1 inch | 12 inches apart |
| Squash | After last frost, soil warm | 1 inch | 36 inches apart |
| Beans (pole) | After last frost, soil warm | 1 inch | 6 inches apart |
| Okra | After last frost, soil very warm | 1/2 inch | 12-18 inches apart |
Fall Planting
For fall harvest, count backwards from first frost date:
| Crop | Days to Maturity | Plant By |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | 40-50 days | Early September |
| Lettuce | 45-55 days | Early September |
| Radishes | 25-30 days | Mid-September |
| Bok Choy | 45-50 days | Early September |
| Kale | 50-60 days | Early September |
| Garlic | 8-9 months | October (for next year) |
Succession Planting
Maximize yield by planting in waves:
- Every 2 weeks: Lettuce, radishes, arugula
- Every 3 weeks: Bush beans, carrots
- Early spring then fall: Peas, spinach, broccoli
Our strategy: Fava beans fix nitrogen. Swiss chard provides continuous harvest. Bok choy matures quickly, filling gaps. Three crops, one plot, multiple functions.
Interplanting
Grow complementary crops together:
- Tomatoes + Basil — Basil repels pests, improves flavor
- Corn + Beans + Squash — Three Sisters: support, nitrogen, ground cover
- Carrots + Onions — Confuse carrot rust fly and onion fly
- Lettuce + Tall crops — Lettuce appreciates shade in summer
Soil Preparation
Before planting:
- Test soil pH (aim for 6.0-7.0 for most vegetables)
- Add 1-2 inches of compost annually
- Use cover crops in off-season (winter rye, hairy vetch)
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Practice minimal tillage to preserve soil structure