Four-hour herb growth trial

Check whether a measured four-hour site supports useful herb leaves before expanding.

Record actual direct sun and new growth weekly. This trial compares nursery clumps with direct-sown cilantro.

How to use this plan

Compare established herbs and direct-sown leaves at low light.

  1. Check your starting point Measure four hours of direct sun and label parsley, chives and cilantro by start method.
  2. Choose the next action Keep established herbs and seed-grown cilantro only while useful new growth is observed.
  3. Carry out the plan Track leaf appearance weekly, record cuts and compare actual performance before increasing the planted area.
  4. Keep a useful record A method-specific low-light trial and expansion decision.

If conditions change

Compare this plan with another layout

Your next step

Check seedling stock · Compact parsley
2027-04-03 to 2027-04-23. Check local conditions first.

29target positions
6 bags40 L · after inventory

Print includes your layout, quantities, sources and the full season. Choose Save as PDF in your browser print dialog.

Your plan, ready to grow

Example dates

2 × 6 ft (61 × 182.9 cm) · 8 in (20.3 cm) fill depth · 4 hours of sun · Start · Last spring frost

29target positions
226.5 Lusable fill volume
6 bags40 L each · after inventory
22 weeksyour seasonal care plan

Planting layout

Top view · orient tall crops away from the sun-facing edge.

Four-hour herb growth trial · phase 1ABC2 ft / 61 cm6 ft / 182.9 cm
Bed 1 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 2 × 6 ft (61 × 182.9 cm)
Positions and seasonal planting quantities
Zone / cropPositionsSpacingSeason requirement
A · Compact parsley41 planting batch12 × 12 in304.8 × 304.8 mm4 seedlings4 seasonal target positions
B · Cilantro for leaves161 planting batch6 × 6 in152.4 × 152.4 mm36 seeds16 seasonal target positions
C · Chive clumps91 planting batch8 × 8 in203.2 × 203.2 mm9 seedlings9 seasonal target positions

Square bed spacing is the selected compact planting method. Container spacing describes root positions; foliage may spread beyond the pot. Seed quantities include 10% spare, with 2 small seeds per target and one bean seed per target. Follow cultivar packets if their spacing or sowing instructions differ.

Planting windows

Soil and weather decide the actual planting day.

2027-04-17 to 2027-05-01

Compact parsley · A

Plant purchased seedlings. Buy compact nursery seedlings; four hours is a trial threshold, with less growth possible than in full sun.

Complete first: A-harden.
2027-04-10 to 2027-04-30

Compact parsley · A

Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.

Complete first: A-1-seedling.
2027-04-10 to 2027-04-24

Cilantro for leaves · B

Direct sow. Sow for leaves during cool conditions; choose a slow-bolting cultivar if available.

2027-04-17 to 2027-05-01

Chive clumps · C

Plant purchased seedlings. Use established small clumps; four hours is a trial threshold, not a yield promise.

Complete first: C-harden.
2027-04-10 to 2027-04-30

Chive clumps · C

Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun.

Complete first: C-1-seedling.

From planting to clearing

Season length not yet checked. Add your first fall frost to check maturity.

These are planning windows. Record what actually happens in your season journal; clear the space before starting the next crop.

A · Compact parsleyPhase 1 · batch 1
  1. Seedlings2027-04-03 to 2027-04-23

    Check 4 healthy Compact parsley seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Acclimate nursery plants and keep the taproot ball intact when planting.

  2. Harden off2027-04-10 to 2027-04-30

    Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.

  3. Transplant2027-04-17 to 2027-05-01

    Buy compact nursery seedlings; four hours is a trial threshold, with less growth possible than in full sun. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.

  4. Tend2027-04-24 to 2027-06-29

    Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.

  5. Harvest check2027-05-17 to 2027-08-25

    Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.

  6. Clear / review2027-09-01 to 2027-09-01

    Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 56 harvest days and 7 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.

B · Cilantro for leavesPhase 1 · batch 1
  1. Sow2027-04-10 to 2027-04-24

    Sow for leaves during cool conditions; choose a slow-bolting cultivar if available. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.

  2. Seedlings2027-04-17 to 2027-05-15

    Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.

  3. Tend2027-04-17 to 2027-06-07

    Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.

  4. Harvest check2027-05-10 to 2027-06-22

    Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.

  5. Clear / review2027-06-25 to 2027-06-25

    Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 14 harvest days and 3 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.

C · Chive clumpsPhase 1 · batch 1
  1. Seedlings2027-04-03 to 2027-04-23

    Check 9 healthy Chive clumps seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Plant a nursery clump at its existing soil level and water it in.

  2. Harden off2027-04-10 to 2027-04-30

    Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.

  3. Transplant2027-04-17 to 2027-05-01

    Use established small clumps; four hours is a trial threshold, not a yield promise. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.

  4. Tend2027-04-24 to 2027-06-29

    Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.

  5. Harvest check2027-05-17 to 2027-08-25

    Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.

  6. Clear / review2027-09-01 to 2027-09-01

    Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 56 harvest days and 7 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.

What to buy

Owned items are deducted before buying.

Net supply list
SupplyRequiredAlready ownedBuy
Raised-bed growing mix226.5 L0 L6 × 40 L bags
Position labels (reuse after a crop clears)29 each0 each29 each
Measuring tool1 each0 each1 each
Gentle watering tool1 each0 each1 each
Compact parsley · A4 seedlings0 seedlings4 seedlings
Cilantro for leaves · B36 seeds0 seeds36 seeds
Chive clumps · C9 seedlings0 seedlings9 seedlings

Mix: 226.5 L theoretical × 1 allowance = 226.5 L; minus 0 L owned = 226.5 L net. Buying 240 L leaves 13.5 L beyond the net requirement. Allowance is your choice; no fixed compaction loss is assumed.

Your full season

22 weeks, through harvest checks and bed clearing. Check off each week as you work.

01Prepare and begin2027-04-01 — 2027-04-07To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • Measure the usable space. Prepare 226.5 L of raised-bed growing mix before allowance. Record actual direct sun and new growth weekly. This trial compares nursery clumps with direct-sown cilantro.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 4 healthy Compact parsley seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Acclimate nursery plants and keep the taproot ball intact when planting.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 9 healthy Chive clumps seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Plant a nursery clump at its existing soil level and water it in.
02Check, tend and act · week 22027-04-08 — 2027-04-14To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 4 healthy Compact parsley seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Acclimate nursery plants and keep the taproot ball intact when planting.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Direct sow. Sow for leaves during cool conditions; choose a slow-bolting cultivar if available. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 9 healthy Chive clumps seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Plant a nursery clump at its existing soil level and water it in.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
03Check, tend and act · week 32027-04-15 — 2027-04-21To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 4 healthy Compact parsley seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Acclimate nursery plants and keep the taproot ball intact when planting.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Buy compact nursery seedlings; four hours is a trial threshold, with less growth possible than in full sun. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Direct sow. Sow for leaves during cool conditions; choose a slow-bolting cultivar if available. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check emergence and thin. Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 9 healthy Chive clumps seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Plant a nursery clump at its existing soil level and water it in.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Use established small clumps; four hours is a trial threshold, not a yield promise. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
04Check, tend and act · week 42027-04-22 — 2027-04-28To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 4 healthy Compact parsley seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Acclimate nursery plants and keep the taproot ball intact when planting.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Buy compact nursery seedlings; four hours is a trial threshold, with less growth possible than in full sun. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Direct sow. Sow for leaves during cool conditions; choose a slow-bolting cultivar if available. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check emergence and thin. Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check seedling stock. Check 9 healthy Chive clumps seedlings for this batch. Deduct plants already owned before buying. Plant a nursery clump at its existing soil level and water it in.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Use established small clumps; four hours is a trial threshold, not a yield promise. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • Recount surviving plants before buying replacements. Check remaining seed, seedling and growing-mix inventory.
05Check, tend and act · week 52027-04-29 — 2027-05-05To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Buy compact nursery seedlings; four hours is a trial threshold, with less growth possible than in full sun. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check emergence and thin. Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Acclimate seedlings. Increase outdoor exposure gradually; protect from frost, strong wind and harsh sun. Ask how nursery plants have been acclimated; allow about a week unless local guidance says otherwise.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Plant purchased seedlings. Use established small clumps; four hours is a trial threshold, not a yield promise. Plant only when the seed packet and local weather conditions agree.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
06Check, tend and act · week 62027-05-06 — 2027-05-12To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check emergence and thin. Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
07Check, tend and act · week 72027-05-13 — 2027-05-19To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check emergence and thin. Keep the seed surface evenly moist; thin without moving established taproots. Thin toward 16 positions at 152 × 152 mm when true leaves appear. Keep stronger seedlings. Re-sow gaps only when temperatures and remaining season are suitable.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
08Check, tend and act · week 82027-05-20 — 2027-05-26To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • Recount surviving plants before buying replacements. Check remaining seed, seedling and growing-mix inventory.
09Check, tend and act · week 92027-05-27 — 2027-06-02To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
10Check, tend and act · week 102027-06-03 — 2027-06-09To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Watch for finely divided leaves and a flower stalk; these mark the transition away from leaf production. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
11Check, tend and act · week 112027-06-10 — 2027-06-16To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
12Check, tend and act · week 122027-06-17 — 2027-06-23To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Take small leaf cuts before bolting; for this leaf plan, clear flowering plants before the next sowing. The 30–45-day range begins at direct sowing; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • Recount surviving plants before buying replacements. Check remaining seed, seedling and growing-mix inventory.
13Check, tend and act · week 132027-06-24 — 2027-06-30To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Keep the root zone moist, checking the pot by touch rather than a fixed watering schedule. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • B (Cilantro for leaves), batch 1: Clear and review the planting. Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 14 harvest days and 3 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Tend the growing crop. Check that the clump is rooting; leave new growth before the first cut. Check moisture, surviving plants, weeds, support and visible crop stage; adjust to rain, heat and drainage.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
14Check, tend and act · week 142027-07-01 — 2027-07-07To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
15Check, tend and act · week 152027-07-08 — 2027-07-14To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
16Check, tend and act · week 162027-07-15 — 2027-07-21To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • Recount surviving plants before buying replacements. Check remaining seed, seedling and growing-mix inventory.
17Check, tend and act · week 172027-07-22 — 2027-07-28To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
18Check, tend and act · week 182027-07-29 — 2027-08-04To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
19Check, tend and act · week 192027-08-05 — 2027-08-11To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
20Check, tend and act · week 202027-08-12 — 2027-08-18To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • Recount surviving plants before buying replacements. Check remaining seed, seedling and growing-mix inventory.
21Check, tend and act · week 212027-08-19 — 2027-08-25To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut outer stems at their base while keeping the central shoots. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Check harvest readiness. Cut a few leaves above the base and allow regrowth between cuts. The 30–60-day range begins at outdoor transplanting; check the cultivar and actual crop. Record what is actually ready; this estimate is not a yield guarantee.
22Finish and review the season2027-08-26 — 2027-09-01To do
  • Check moisture by touch in each active root zone; adjust watering to rain, heat and drainage. Containers may need checks between weekly visits.
  • A (Compact parsley), batch 1: Clear and review the planting. Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 56 harvest days and 7 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.
  • C (Chive clumps), batch 1: Clear and review the planting. Remove spent plants and check the soil before a successor starts. 56 harvest days and 7 clearing days are planning allowances; actual crop condition decides the changeover. Record actual harvests or losses. Keep healthy perennial clumps if you are not reusing their space; revise the next planting accordingly.
  • Review harvest and crop-loss records, clear or retain plants as appropriate, and update remaining stock before planning the next season.

Assumptions and sources

  • Spacing is for the selected compact planting method; follow your cultivar packet where it differs.
  • Seed allowance and minimum root-space limits are planning choices, not germination or yield guarantees.
  • Dates are preparation windows, not forecasts. Confirm soil temperature, weather and actual crop stage.
  • First fall frost is a conservative planning boundary, including for hardy crops. Continuing beyond it needs suitable local guidance and protection.
  • Harvest and clearing durations are planning allowances. A successor waits for the final preceding batch to clear; actual crop progress may move those dates.

Fall plans use a 14-day buffer beyond estimated maturity. Successors wait for the final preceding batch, including its harvest allowance and clearing period. The lifecycle shows those crop-specific windows; the zone must actually be empty. Minimum sun and root-space thresholds are planning limits, with cultivar and climate variation.

  1. UMN Extension: Growing herbsHerb spacing depends on mature size. Our spacing and partial-sun thresholds are compact-cultivar planning choices; full sun is preferable. Accessed 2026-10-13.
  2. UMD Extension: Growing vegetables in containers and salad tablesSun exposure, drainage, growing media and crop-specific minimum volumes; our thresholds are conservative planning settings. Accessed 2026-10-13.
  3. UMN Extension: Planting the vegetable gardenCool and warm season establishment; weather and soil readiness matter. Minnesota month dates are not used as global dates. Accessed 2026-10-13.
  4. UMN Extension: Planting for fall harvestMaturity is a cultivar-dependent estimate; our extra 14-day fall buffer is an explicit planning assumption. Accessed 2026-10-13.

Plan garden-40 · version 2 · calculation 2. Actual germination, harvest and local climate performance have not been field tested.

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