Im a New Western Washington Gardener. How Do I Grow Tomatoes, Zucchini, Squash, and Beans?
All the crops you named are heat-lovers. In our area they are best planted in mid-May after the soil has warmed and the weather stabilized. (If you are using cloches, coldframes or rowcovers, you can get them in a couple of weeks earlier.) Beans are seeded directly into the garden. Most varieties will do well here and they are relatively easy crop to grow. Zucchini and other squash can be started in the house or directly in the garden. If you are going to grow transplants, sow them 2 weeks before you want to put them out. Squash resent transplanting, so use a large pot (4 inches in diameter) and handle the roots carefully. Be sure to harden them off. Expose them to outdoor conditions during the day and bring them back in at night for at least 4-5 days before planting. The transition from warm indoor temperatures to cool nights can set plants back if they are not hardened off. Tomatoes are long-season crops, so you must use transplants to get a running start. Choose one of the shortest-
