Last updated: March 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Moon’s Seed Library! At first, it may seem odd that a library would provide seeds, but our collections are developed to entertain, promote well-being, and contribute to lifelong learning in all of our patrons. As part of your community, we are constantly looking for new resources and services which enrich the public. The seed library, just like our movies or computers or Playaways, is our latest way of helping you explore your interests for free.
How it works
Step 1: Get your seeds
Check our online Seed Catalog to identify which seeds interest you. Then, fill out the digital Seed Library Order Form. A library staff member will complete your order and contact you when it’s ready to pick up.
You will receive the seeds in small envelopes which contain the correct number of seeds for a single plant to grow. Blends such as mesclun lettuce will contain more seeds because they contain a variety of plants.
Step 2: Plant your seeds
Each envelope has a quick-and-dirty summary of the plant’s water, sunlight, and soil needs to act as an everyday reference. Follow the guidelines on your seed packet or the online Seed Catalog to sow and maintain your plant.
Be sure to enjoy them as they grow and share with us how they’re doing. Tag us on social media with your garden selfies and seedling updates!
Step 3: Exchange your seeds
Once your plants mature, harvest any seeds you have and separate them into sealed envelopes or Ziploc bags. Label each package with the plant’s name, your name, and your contact information, then drop them off at the circulation desk. Don’t worry about the quantity, we’ll take care of that.
Step 4: Repeat
All of our seeds are heirloom seeds, so they should produce plants that are identical to the parent plants every time. As long as your plants don’t crossbreed, the seeds you exchange will be the same as the ones you originally got from us. That cycle of new but identical seeds is what makes our seed library work. That, and seeing all your plant children happy.
You can also donate seeds that weren’t harvested from library-based plants. Follow Step 3 but include key information about the new seeds such as the plant’s name, breed, sun requirements, and whether they are heirloom or hybrid seeds. We will need that information for the Seed Catalog.
Seed Catalog
| Amaranth | Love Lies Bleeding |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 3-6 feet tall, 14-16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Birds Notes: Container friendly. |
| Arugula | Speedy |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, potting soil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 4-7 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow April – June. Outdoor sow August or September. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. |
| Basil | Greek Basil |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 8 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow in March. Outdoor sow in May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, cooking Notes: Container friendly. Leaves can be roasted, dried, preserved in salt, or frozen in olive oil or water. Pinch off flowers to encourage continuous growth. |
| Bean – Bush snap | Blue Lake 274 Bush |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed:15-20 inches tall, 10 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow in May or June. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the pods are full to eat them fresh. Harvest once the pods are dry to keep dried beans. |
| Bean – Pole | Lazy Housewife |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 8-9 feet tall, 24 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. |
| Bee balm | Monarda fistulosa |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 24-48 inches tall, 18 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or August. Outdoor sow April, May, September, or October. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Known to attract hummingbirds. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming. Its petals and leaves can be brewed for tea. |
| Bells of Ireland | Molucella Laevis |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 30 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Pest repellent Notes: Container friendly. |
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia – Goldsturm |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 24-26 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow April. Outdoor sow May through September. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Container friendly. Drought resistant. Deer resistant. Low maintenance. |
| Broccoli | Calabrese |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 30-36 inches tall, 12 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March, April, July, or August. Outdoor sow April through August. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Can be eaten raw or cooked. Blanch before freezing. Cut off some of the head and stem to grow smaller heads for later harvest. |
| Butterfly weed | Asclepias tuberosa |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 12-36 inches tall, 24-36 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or September. Outdoor sow May through August. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Bees, butterflies Notes: Drought resistant. Deer resistant. |
| Carrot | Danvers 126 |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 4-8 inches tall, 3 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April through September. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. Cut off greens after harvesting to help keep the root fresh. Can be eaten raw, cooked, blanched, pickled, canned, or frozen. Frost tolerant. |
| Catnip | Nepeta cataria |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow April. Outdoor sow April through August. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking, pets Notes: Container friendly. Deer and rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant. Harvest the leaves before they turn yellow. Can be brewed as a tea or added to a salad. |
| Celery | Tall Utah 52-70 R Improved |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Time to mature: 3.5 months Good for: Cooking, containers. Notes: Container friendly. Heat intolerant but frost tolerant. Harvest plants by cutting the stalks just above the soil. |
| Chamomile | German |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Herb, Annual Growing medium: Dried wood, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 24-36 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 3.5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking, cosmetics, perfumes Notes: Container friendly. Harvest flowers when the petals arch back. Can be brewed as a tea or used for cosmetics and perfumes. |
| Chive | Garlic |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, pebbles, potting soil, silt, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 3-4 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February/March. Outdoor sow April. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Cooking, containers, pest repellent Notes: Container friendly. Harvest leaves after the flowers bloom. |
| Cilantro | Calypso |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Annual Growing medium: Dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 12-18 inches tall, 12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest the leaves when the flower stems appear. Harvest the seeds (coriander) when they start turning grey/brown. Leaves can be dried or frozen. |
| Corn | Bloody Butcher |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 feet tall, 1 foot wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 4 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Ears will be about 6 inches long and will be ready to harvest when a kernel produces a milky liquid when pierced with a nail. |
| Corn | Golden Bantam |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 5 feet tall, 1 foot wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Ears will be about 6 inches long and will be ready to harvest when a kernel produces a milky liquid when pierced with a nail. |
| Cornflower | Blue Boy |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 30 inches tall, 11 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March/April. Outdoor sow May/June. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, butterflies, cutting, scent Notes: Drought tolerant. Easy to grow. Pollinator friendly. |
| Cosmos | Sensation Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 36-48 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Container friendly. Heat and drought tolerant. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming. May self-sow. |
| Cucumber | Pickling – Parisian |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 6 inches tall, 4-5 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Can be trellis trained. Harvest before seeds are fully developed. Pick when mature to encourage continual harvest. |
| Cucumber | Slicing – Straight Eight |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 6-8 inches tall, 4-5 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Can be trellis trained. Harvest before seeds are fully developed. Pick when mature to encourage continual harvest. |
| Daisy | Shasta – Alaska |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow April through August. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, butterflies, pest repellent. Notes: Deer & rabbit resistant. |
| Dill | Fernleaf |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18 inches tall, 8-12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. Harvest leaves as desired. Harvest seeds before the flowers turn brown. |
| Echinacea | Magnus |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Clay pellets, dried wood, loam,mulch, pebbles, potting soil, silt, topsoil Space needed: 3 feet tall, 15-18 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February, March, July, or August. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking, containers. Notes: Pollinator and container friendly. Clean and dry the plant to use as an herbal tea. |
| Eggplant | Black Beauty |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. Pick when the eggplants are 4-5 inches long and shiny. |
| Four O’Clocks | Red & Pink Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 1-4 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March, outdoor sow May Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, containers, scent Notes: Container friendly. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Fast growing. Nick the seeds with a knife and soak overnight before sowing. Can be perennial if overwintered indoors. |
| Foxglove | Foxy mixed colors |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 24-36 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Bees, butterflies Notes: Highly toxic. Deer and rabbit resistant. May self-sow. |
| Garlic | Variety bulbils |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18 inches tall, 4 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow March – April or October – November. Time to mature: 8 months – 3 years Good for: Cooking Notes: Refrigerate or freeze for 2-4 weeks before planting. Greens and mini cloves can be harvested in the first year. Wait 3 years to harvest entire bulbs. |
| Gourd | Luffa |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-3 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest at 2 inches long to cook as a cucumber substitute. Harvest at 7 inches to dry and use as a sponge. |
| Hibiscus | Dinner Plate |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 3-7 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Deer resistant. Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Flowers last one day but are replaced quickly. Deadhead to encourage continuous growth. Cut back plant to 5 inches tall after first frost. Dry flower to use as an herbal tea. |
| Hibiscus | Manihot |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 4-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Deer resistant. Leaves and flower buds can be served raw or cooked. Perennial if overwintered indoors. Annual if left outdoors. |
| Hibiscus | Rose of Sharon |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Clay pellets, compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, sand, topsoil Space needed: 8-12 feet tall, 3-10 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Deer resistant. Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Flowers last one day but are replaced quickly. Deadhead to encourage continuous growth. Cut back plant to 5 inches tall after first frost. May self-sow. |
| Kale | Lacinato |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual, Biennial Growing medium: Loam, mulch, topsoil Space needed: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow April through September. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Can be successively grown and harvested. Harvest outermost leaves whenever they reach 6-8 inches long. |
| Lavender | Lady |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 16 inches tall, 16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February, March, or August. Outdoor sow April, May, September, or October. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Bees, butterflies, cooking, cosmetics, scent Notes: Container friendly. Drought tolerant. Low maintenance. Harvest at the base of the flower stem. Can be used for tea, perfume, or cosmetics. |
| Lettuce – Bibb | Burpee Bibb |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 9-15 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Every day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March, April, August, or September. Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the lettuce forms a head and the leaves are large. Flavor starts sweet and becomes bitter over time. |
| Lettuce – Butterhead | Buttercrunch |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 9-15 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Every day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March, April, August, or September. Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the lettuce forms a head and the leaves are large. Flavor becomes bitter over time. |
| Lettuce – Loose leaf | Black Seeded Simpson |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 9-15 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Every day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March, April, August, or September. Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 1.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the leaves reach desired size. Flavor becomes bitter over time. |
| Lettuce – Mesclun | Mesclun Classic Mix |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 9-15 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April, May, August, or September. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the leaves are 4-5 inches tall. May regrow when cut down to 1 inch above the soil. |
| Lettuce – Microgreens | Microgreens Burpee’s Mix |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Potting soil Space needed: 2-3 inches tall Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April, May, August, or September. Indoor sow at any time. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Cooking. Container friendly. Notes: Harvest by cutting the leaves 2 inches above the soil. |
| Lettuce – Romaine | Little Gem |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 9-15 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February – April. Outdoor sow August – September. Time to mature: 2 month Good for: Cooking. Container friendly. Notes: Harvest leaves when they are 4 inches long. |
| Marigold | Species unknown. |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 8-10 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Bees, butterflies, pest repellent Notes: Container friendly. Easy to grow. Deadhead to prolong blooming. Repels rabbits, deer, mosquitos, and other bugs. |
| Marjoram | Sweet |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Annual Growing medium: Loam potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 1 foot tall, 6-8 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, butterflies, cooking Notes: Container friendly. Can be dried, pickled, frozen, or used fresh. |
| Mint | Peppermint |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18 inches tall, 12 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Time to mature: 4 months Good for: Cooking, scent Notes: Very invasive. Container friendly. Harvest leaves as needed. Can be dried, frozen, jellied, preserved, or used as tea. |
| Mint | Spearmint |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Time to mature: 4.5 months Good for: Cooking, scent Notes: Very invasive. Container friendly. Harvest leaves as needed. Can be dried, frozen, jellied, preserved, or used as tea. |
| Mint | Wild |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18 inches tall, 12 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Time to mature: 4 months Good for: Cooking, scent Notes: Very invasive. Container friendly. Harvest leaves as needed. Can be dried, frozen, jellied, preserved, or used as tea. Fruit is toxic. |
| Moonflower | Species unknown. |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, topsoil Space needed: 10-15 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 5 months Good for: Scent Notes: Pollinator friendly. Nick the seeds with a knife and soak overnight before sowing. Requires a support for the vines to climb. May self-sow. Very toxic. |
| Nasturtium | Double Dwarf Jewel Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Container friendly. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming. Flowers are edible. |
| Onion – Bunching green | Evergreen Long White |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 4 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Outdoor sow August or September. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: Harvest once the leaves are 6-8 inches tall. Cold and disease resistant. |
| Oregano | Greek |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 1-2 feet tall, 12-16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 4.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest before flower buds form. Leaves can be dried or frozen in water or olive oil. |
| Parsley | Single Italian |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Biennial Growing medium: Compost, loam, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 12-18 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Container friendly. Cut off flowers to encourage continuous growth. Harvest leaves by cutting them at the base of the stalk. Can be dried, frozen in water or olive oil, or infused in oil or vinegar. |
| Pea – Shelling | Lincoln |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 12-18 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the pods are rounded, full and bright green. Can be frozen after being blanched twice or dehydrated. |
| Pea – Snow | Oregon Sugar Pod II |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-3 feet tall, 8 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Can be harvested at any time but are tastiest before the peas inside the pod become so large they touch each other. |
| Pepper – Banana | Sweet Banana |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 1 foot wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March or April. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: 0-500 Scoville Heat Units. Overwatering may decrease spiciness. Harvest when green for mildest flavor and highest vitamin content. Harvest when red for strongest flavor and spice level. Can be dried. Use caution when handling. |
| Pepper – Bell | Sweet California Wonder |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 1 foot wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: 0 Scoville Heat Units. Harvest when green for mildest flavor and highest vitamin content. Harvest when red for strongest flavor. Can be chopped and frozen. 0 Scoville spiciness. |
| Pepper – Hot | Habanero |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 18-24 inches tall, 16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: 100,000 – 350,000 Scoville Heat Units. Overwatering may decrease spiciness. Harvest when green for mildest flavor and highest vitamin content. Harvest when red for strongest flavor and spice level. Can be dried. Use caution when handling. |
| Pepper – Hot | Jalapeno Early |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 14-18 inches tall, 16 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: 2000 – 8000 Scoville Heat Units. Overwatering may decrease spiciness. Harvest when green for mildest flavor and highest vitamin content. Harvest when red for strongest flavor and spice level. Can be dried. Use caution when handling. |
| Phlox | Blushing Bride |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, sand, topsoil Space needed: 18-20 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Easy to grow. Container friendly. Deer resistant. Heat tolerant. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming. |
| Pumpkin | Jack O’ Lantern |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, topsoil Space needed: 12-18 inches tall, 72 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 4 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when the rind is hard and bright orange. Cut so 3 inches of stem remain attached to the fruit. Pumpkins are about 20 pounds when mature. Can be carved or cooked. Seeds can be roasted. |
| Radish | Crimson Giant |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 4-6 inches tall, 3 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April, May, August, or September. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest spring radishes once they form bulbs and before the temperature gets hot. Harvest fall radishes before the ground freezes. |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Herb, Annual or Perennial (see notes) Growing medium: Clay pellets, dried wood, loam, mulch, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 8 months Good for: Cooking, cosmetics, perfume, containers Notes: Slow to grow but easy to maintain. May be planted annually outside or perennially if overwintered indoors. Trim regularly to encourage continuous growth. Harvest up to one third of the plant at a time. Can be dried, roasted, or brewed as a tea. |
| Sage | Salvia officinalis |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 1-2 feet tall, 16-24 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-10 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February or March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 8 months Good for: Cooking, containers Notes: Container friendly. Harvest leaves or springs as needed. Maintain by trimming up to 2/3 its size. Can be dried, dehydrated, infused in honey or vinegar, or chopped and frozen in ice. |
| Sesame | Sesamum indicum |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, loam, mulch, pebbles, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-6 feet tall Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest seeds when pods split open. |
| Spinach | Bloomsdale Long Standing |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 4 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow April or May. Time to mature: 1.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest leaves when 3 inches long or the entire plant when seed stalks develop. |
| Squash – Summer | Fordhook Zucchini |
 | Plant Type: Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 24-30 inches tall, 4-5 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May through July. Time to mature: 2 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when fruit is small and shiny. Flowers are also edible. Harvest regularly to encourage continual growth. |
| Squash – Winter | Vegetable Spaghetti |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 4-5 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May through July. Time to mature: 3.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when fruit is fully grown (around 3.5 pounds) and the rind is dull and hard. Cut so 2 inches of stem remain attached to the fruit. |
| Squash – Winter | Waltham Butternut |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10-12 inches tall, 4-5 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Harvest when fruit is fully grown (around 6 pounds) and the rind is dull and hard. Cut so 2 inches of stem remain attached to the fruit. |
| Sunflower – Dwarf | Busy Bee |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 3-4 feet tall, 12-16 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, containers Notes: Easy to grow. Drought tolerant. |
| Sunflower – Giant | Mammoth Russian |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: Up to 12 feet tall, 36-40 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Easy to grow. Drought tolerant. Heads, petals, and seeds are edible. Harvest by cutting the stalk a foot beneath the head. Seeds should be dried and ripened before consuming. |
| Sunflower – Giant | Sunforest Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: Up to 12 feet tall, 36-40 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies, cooking Notes: Easy to grow. Drought tolerant. Includes three different varieties of sunflower. |
| Thyme | Common |
 | Plant Type: Herb, Perennial Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 6-12 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Time to mature: 6 months Good for: Bees, cooking, containers Notes: Easy to grow. Harvest leaves or flowers as desired. Can be dehydrated, dried, infused, or frozen. |
| Tomato – Beefsteak | Beefsteak – Mortgage Lifter |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: Up to 8 feet tall, 18 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Leaves are toxic. Harvest when fruit is vividly colored and firm. Pick tomatoes regularly to encourage continuous growth. Good for sandwiches. |
| Tomato – Cherry | Cherry Roma |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 3-4 feet tall, 18 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Leaves are toxic. Harvest when fruit is vividly colored and firm. Pick tomatoes regularly to encourage continuous growth. Good as a topping or snack. |
| Tomato – Paste | San Marzano |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, dried wood, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 5-6 feet tall, 18 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Leaves are toxic. Harvest when fruit is vividly colored and firm. Pick tomatoes regularly to encourage continuous growth. Good for sauces and drying. |
| Vine | Purple Hyacinth Bean |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Vegetable, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, topsoil Space needed: 8+ feet tall Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow March. Outdoor sow May-July. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, butterflies Notes: Toxic. Plant by a trellis or fence to encourage climbing. |
| Viola | Johnny Jump Up |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February, March, or July. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, butterflies, containers, cooking Notes: Flowers are edible. Winter hardy. May self-sow. |
| Viola – Wild | Common Garden Violet |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 10 inches tall, 6 inches wide Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Partial sun (3-6 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow February, March, or July. Time to mature: 1 month Good for: Bees, butterflies, containers, cooking Notes: Very invasive. Flowers are edible. Winter hardy. May self-sow. |
| Watermelon | Bush Sugar Baby |
 | Plant Type: Fruit, Annual Growing medium: Loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 15-24 inches tall, 2-3 feet wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May or June. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Cooking Notes: Protect fruit by placing them on cardboard as they grow. Harvest when the vine is dying off, the underside of the fruit is yellowish, and it sounds hollow when gently thumped with your fingers. |
| Wildflower Mix | Monarch Sanctuary |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Perennial Growing medium: Potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-6 feet tall Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May through October. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Contains alyssum, baby’s breath, clover, cornflower, coneflower, lupine, marigold, sunflower, zinnia, and more. |
| Wildflower Mix | Honey Bee Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual, Perennial Growing medium: Potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-4 feet tall Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May through October. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Contains aster, coneflower, cornflower, forget-me-not, and poppy. All flowers except cornflower are perennial. |
| Wildflower & Herb Mix | Beneficial Bug Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Herbs, Annual, Perennial Growing medium: Potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 2-4 feet tall Water needed: Once a week Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Outdoor sow May through October. Time to mature: 2.5 months Good for: Bees, butterflies, ladybugs, lacewings Notes: Contains bishop’s flower, dill, rockcress, Shasta daisy, coreopsis, cilantro, dwarf cosmos, purple prairie clover, California poppy, fennel, Indian blanket, globe gilia, candytuft, gayfeather, bergamot, baby blue eyes, and Black-Eyed Susan. |
| Zinnia | Candy Cane Mix |
 | Plant Type: Flower, Annual Growing medium: Compost, loam, mulch, potting soil, topsoil Space needed: 17 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide Water needed: Every other day Light needed: Full sun (6-16 hours per day) Zone 6 sowing period(s): Indoor sow April, Outdoor sow May. Time to mature: 3 months Good for: Bees, birds, butterflies Notes: Container friendly. Deer resistant. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming |
