An in depth handbook to guide you towards the best vegetables, fruits, and herbs for your garden - as well as insight into all of the growing supplies you’ll need.
New Morning Market’s starter plants are all locally grown, certified organic, or grown by farms who have taken Connecticut’s North East Organic Grower’s Association’s Farmer’s Pledge. Our vegetable starter plants come from local farms that are carefully chosen, based on quality and field testing from both third party certifiers as well as New Morning Market managers, like Kerry Noski and Lisa Cornwall. And as home gardeners ourselves, we always make sure to select varieties that are suited for home gardens as well as Connecticut’s unique growing conditions.
This comprehensive guide provides details about growing over 100 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. While we may not always have every variety listed in this guide, our staff of experts can help you pick out substitutes that will work well for your special garden. Also, be on the lookout for unique and unexpected varieties to pop up throughout the year, like Angelica, Aztec, or Blue Vervain. Happy gardening!
GILBERTIE’S HERB GARDENS
Easton, CT
23.8 miles away
During plant season, we at New Morning Market visit Gilbertie’s weekly to hand-select the finest certified organic herbs and vegetables for your garden. Founded in 1922 as a cut-flower business in Westport, Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens remains a family-run business more than 90 years later. Their greenhouses supply a warm environment for winter seedlings as well as a wide variety of microgreens and vegetables, which are available year-round.
FORT HILL FARM
New Milford, CT
14.8 miles away
Fort Hill Farm grows a variety of vegetable and herb starter plants just for us! Each variety is field-tested on their New Milford farm to ensure it will do well in our climate. Run by Rebecca Batchie and Paul Bucciaglia and certified organic through Baystate, Fort Hill Farm uses growing practices which promote healthy soil and protect our environment.
HUNGRY REAPER FARM
Morris, CT
10.4 miles away
Hungry Reaper Farm grows 4 acres of vegetables in Morris, CT. Their team of Jill, WIll and Enya have worked on a variety of organic vegetable and fruit farms in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and are currently pursuing organic certification. They grow a wide variety of produce, from the classics you know and love to the new and unfamiliar that are sure to bring excitement to your kitchen!
HYBRID
Plant in soil amended with compost and organic fertilizer. Space 1.5-2 ft. apart in full sun. Bury plants up to their first true leaves (approximately 3-6 in. of stem); the stem will sprout roots to provide for a strong, stable plant. Transplant late May to mid-June when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
A HYBRID TOMATO is one that is the result of the purposeful crosspollination of two different varieties of tomato.
Early Girl: (55 days) Indeterminate. Reliably early variety yielding red 4-6 oz. fruits to jumpstart your tomato season.
Big Beef: (70 days) Indeterminate. Popular red beefsteak that is a frequent contender for best flavor. Early-to-ripen for their 10-12 oz. fruit size.
Defiant: (70 days). Determinate. Deep red beefsteak resistant to late blight, fusarium and verticillium wilts. Produces high yields of 6-8 oz. fruits.
Lemon Boy: (72 days) Indeterminate. Bright lemon-yellow globe-shaped fruits averaging 6-8 oz. with sweet mild flavor.
HEIRLOOM
AN HEIRLOOM TOMATO is an open-pollinated, non-hybrid heirloom cultivar tomato.
Valencia: (70 days) Indeterminate. A Maine family heirloom producing round golden-orange 8-10 oz. fruits. A real winner for mid-season flavor.
Green Zebra: (75 days) Indeterminate. When ripe, 3-4 oz. green fruit develop a yellow blush in between dark green stripes.
Cherokee Purple: (80 days) Indeterminate. Tennessee heirloom with flattened medium-large (8-12 oz.) dusky rose fruit. Shoulders will darken around the stem when ripe. Boasts a sweet rich tomato flavor.
Mortgage Lifter: (80 days) Indeterminate. Renowned for producing 1 lb.+ fruits! Sweet rich flavor.
Paul Robeson: (80 days) Indeterminate. Russian heirloom yielding 7-10 oz. deep maroon fruits with a pleasant complex flavor.
Striped German: (80 days) Indeterminate. Large (12 oz.+) fruits with marbled yellow and red flesh. Very sweet with less acidity than a red tomato.
Brandywine: (85 days) Indeterminate. Amish heirloom with large (up to 1 lb.) fruits with pink skin and red flesh. Often described as the best-tasting heirloom.
Pink Berkley Tie Dye: (70 days) Indeterminate. Dark pink fruits with green striping. Sweet, complex, outstanding flavor. 8-12 oz. fruits. Summer Pick Patio: (75 days) Determinate. Produces large amounts of tomatoes in short time frame. Disease resistant beefsteak produces jumbo fruits averaging 3-4 lbs. Ideal canning tomato.
PLUM
Also known as Roma or paste tomatoes, plum tomatoes are oval-shaped and smaller than beefsteaks.
Amish Paste: (80 days) Indeterminate. Giant, blocky, Roma-type tomato with delicious red flesh that is perfect for paste and canning.
San Marzano Plum: (85 days) Indeterminate. Classic Italian plum tomato with meaty flesh and few seeds. Red cylindrical fruit are unrivaled when it comes to tomato sauce and paste. Also good for canning.
Cour di Bue Oxheart: (90 days) Indeterminate. Bears meaty, flavorful 12 oz. heart-shaped fruits. Hails from Italy.
CHERRY TOMATO
Cherry tomatoes are a small variety of tomato named for its shape, which resembles a cherry.
Sun Gold: (65 days) Hybrid. Indeterminate. A vigorous grower producing an abundance of extremely sweet bright orange cherry tomatoes.
Red Grape: (70 days) Hybrid. Indeterminate. Produces sweet, firm, cherry-sized fruit. Popular for salads.
Sweet 100: (70 days) Hybrid. Indeterminate. A heavy yielder of mouth watering sweet red cherry tomatoes.
Ground cherry is a fruit that resembles cape gooseberry. It is an American plant in the nightshade family, also known as husk cherry. Amend the soil with compost and organic fertilizer. Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in full sun. Transplant late May to mid-June when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F. More cold tolerant than tomatoes; will bear until frost.
Goldie: (75 days) Produces sweet golden fruit in a papery husk similar to tomatillos and Japanese lanterns. Fruits are the size of a small cherry tomato. Ready to harvest when husks turn from green to golden. Will “slip” off the vine when fully ripe. Enjoy raw as a fun snack or use for preserving.
BELL
Amend the soil with compost and organic fertilizer. Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in full sun. Transplant late May to mid-June when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
Annina: (65 days) Hybrid. Glossy variegated eggplant with teardrop shape. Selected for its high yield potential.
Dancer: (65 days) Hybrid. Deep-pink Italian type. Semi-cylindrical fruits are mid-sized, mild, and nonbitter. Plants are strong and high-yielding.
Machiaw: (65 days) Hybrid. Japanese eggplant with long thin lavender fruits. Sweet tender flesh cooks more quickly than classic Italian eggplant.
Nadia Classic Italian: (67 days) Hybrid. Traditional Italian eggplant with glossy dark purple-black skin.
Rosa Bianca: (73 days) Italian heirloom producing beautiful round white fruit with a purple blush. Flesh cooks quickly and is mild and creamy.
Amend soil with compost and organic fertilizer. Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in full sun. Transplant late May to mid-June when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
Red Knight: (78 days) Hybrid. Blocky shaped thick-walled bells ripen to red but can be harvested at any point from green (57 days) to red. Sweet flavor.
Flavorburst: (87 days) Hybrid. Excellent flavored medium-sized bell peppers ripen from lime green to golden. Harvest from green (67 days) to yellow.
Orange: Sweet crisp bells ripen to orange. Harvest from green to orange.
ITALIAN
Sweet Red Italia: (75 days) Long Italian horn-shaped red pepper with thin walls and sweet crisp flesh. Great raw or cooked, especially sautéed, roasted, or grilled. Harvest when peppers are fully red.
HOT
Cayenne: Produces long, slender, thin-walled chiles delivering intense heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units). Will ripen to crimson. Harvest when fully red. Can be dried and made into powder or pepper flakes. Habanero: Produces wrinkly thin-walled chiles that ripen from green to orange. Extremely spicy (100,000-350,000 Scoville Heat Units). Can be used fresh or dried.
Jalapeño: Bears 2-4 in. long dark green peppers with moderate heat (3,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units). Remove the seeds for milder spice.
Hungarian Hot Wax: (58 days pale yellow, 83 days red stripe) This smooth, tapered, moderately spiced pepper matures very early in cool wet weather. Excellent for frying, roasting or pickling.
Yellow Jalapeno: (63 days) Medium sized plants have high yield potential. Pale yellow to start, will ripen to a deep red if not pickled. Can be eaten at any stage of ripeness, usually eaten yellow.
Poblano: (65 days) Large fruits perform well under challenging conditions, very versatile pepper is great for stuffing, cooking, drying into flakes or powders.
Lunch Box Pepper: (80 days) These remarkably sweet and flavorful small colored peppers are delicious sautéed, or eaten as a snack. Strong plants yield well.
Shishito: (60 days) Very productive large plants produce thin walled no heat fruit. Excellent for frying, roasting, stir frying or sautéing.
Serrano: (57 days) Dark green fruits average 3-3.5 inches. Large bushy plants produce medium hot fruits.
Thai Hot Chili: (75-90 days) Big, upright productive plants produce these fiery hot cayennes. Great for hot pepper flakes.
Paprika: (80 days) Easy to grow and wonderful when dried. There is nothing that compares to paprika powder!
Transplant after danger of frost has passed in an area with full sun and well-drained, compost-enriched fertile soil. Peel off the top 1/3 of the peat pot. Submerge entirely underground without disturbing roots. Water well. Floating row cover protects young plants from squash bugs and cucumber beetles; remove at time of flowering to ensure pollination.
CUCUMBERS
Plant 1 ft. apart in rows 3 ft. apart, or trellis vines to save space. Keep well watered for abundant harvests. Pick 2-3 times per week.
Burpless Asian: Contains low or no cucurbitacin, a compound causing bitterness. Very similar to English cucumbers.
Bush Pickle: (49 days) Hybrid. Compact plant saves space and bears plentiful 4 in. long pickling cucumbers.
Green Finger: (60 days) Thin, tender skin, crisp flesh and a small seed cavity.
Marketmore 76: (58 days) Produces slender 8-9 in. long slicing cucumbers with dark green skin.
SUMMER SQUASH
Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in rows 4-6 ft. apart. Irrigate for higher yields. Harvest 2-3 times per week by cutting stems when fruits reach desired size. Handle gently as fruits have thin skin.
Yellow squash: A reliable producer of bright yellow squash.
Zucchini: Bears tender tasty squash with glossy green skin.
MELONS
Vining plants need room to sprawl. Plant 1.5-3 ft. apart in rows 6 ft. apart. Melons like it warm! Row cover can increase yields. Remove at time of flowering to ensure pollination.
Starlight Watermelon: (75 days) Hybrid. Dependable producer of round 8-10 lb. melons with sweet crisp red flesh.
Athena Cantaloupe: (79 days) Hybrid. This variety is your best bet for home-grown cantaloupe! Yields 5-6 lb. fruit with juicy pale orange flesh. For best flavor, harvest when the vine begins to slip from the fruit.
Sarah’s Choice Cantaloupe: Sarah’s Choice is sweet with juicy and flavorful flesh. Its flavor, combined with its attractive oval fruits and ideal 3-lb. size, make it a great variety for growing.
WINTER SQUASH
Vining plants require ample space: 1.5-2 ft. apart in rows 3-4 ft. apart. In the fall, when stems and squash skin harden, clip stems an inch from the fruit and allow to cure in a warm, well-ventilated spot for 2-3 weeks.
‘Butter Boy’ Butternut Squash: (85 days) Hybrid. Compact plant ideal for home gardening. Provides small to medium-sized fruits with sweet red-orange flesh. Squash becomes sweeter in storage.
‘Honey Bear’ Bush Acorn Squash: (85 days) Hybrid. Compact plant (perfect for the home garden!) provides single-serving size 4 in. round fruits with delicious starchy orange flesh. Store up to 3 months if blemish-free.
Winter Squash Medley: Winter Squash Medley will provide your garden with a beautiful and delicious fall bounty with classic winter squashes.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in rows 2.5-3 ft. apart. Harvest sprouts when well-formed and tightly headed by snapping them off the stalk. Wait till after a fall frost to ensure sweetness.
CABBAGE (Red, Green, Caraflex, Napa & Savoy)
Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in rows 1.5-2 ft. apart. Each plant yields a single cabbage. Harvest when dense and full.
CAULIFLOWER
Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in rows 1.5-2 ft. apart. When the head reaches 2-3 in., tie large outer leaves together around it to “blanch.” This causes its snow white color.
KOHLRABI
Space plants at 4 in. with 1 ft. between rows. Harvest when bulbs reach 3-4 in. in size so that they remain tender, crisp, and sweet. Greens can be prepared similarly to collards and kale.
Allium plants grow leaves first, and then the leaves feed the root growth, such as onions, garlic, scallion, shallot, leek, and chives. Root vegetables are underground plant parts that we eat, like beets, parsnips and carrots. Plant as early as possible, starting in late April to midMay. Require fertile soil and full sun. Sensitive to weedpressure due to shallow root systems; mulch or keep well-weeded. All alliums grow best with ample water (at least 1 in. of rain per week). To plant, gently break apart seedling clumps. Place one seedling per hole, 2-3 in. deep.
LEEKS
Cole crops is the general term used to describe broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi. They require full sun and are cold hardy and ready-to-plant at time of purchase. Keep adequately watered.
BROCCOLI
Space plants 1.5 ft. apart in rows 1.5-2 ft. apart. Many varieties will form a central head followed by offshoots. Harvest the main head before the green-blue flower buds open to yellow flowers.
Milder and sweeter than onions. Space 6-8 in. apart, in rows 1 ft. apart. Mound soil around plants as they grow to blanch the shaft, forming the usable white neck. Pull from the ground as needed, starting in mid to late September. Pencil-sized leeks can be used like scallions starting in August. Mature leeks will overwinter if properly mulched.
ONIONS
Space 4-8 in. apart in rows 1 ft. apart. Harvest when bulbs size up for fresh use. Pull all onions in late summer when tops fall over. Sun-cure or hang to dry before clipping necks for storage.
Red Long of Tropea: (90 days) Stunning red torpedo-shaped onion. Traditionally grown in Italy and France for mid-summer harvest. Use fresh or store in fridge for up to 2 months. Not suited for long term storage.
Ailsa Craig: (110 days) OP. Huge, round, very sweet Spanish-type onion. For fresh use. Will store in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Cippolini: Sweeter onions with more residual sugar than average onions.
BEETS
Plant 3-6 in. apart in rows 1-1.5 ft. apart. Do not disturb their roots. Can be harvested as baby beets and greens or be grown to full-size.
BEANS + PEAS
Grows best in well drained soil with PH range 6.5-6.8,plant 2” apart.
Provider Bean: Bush Bean. Early variety, compact plants are easy to grow and adapt easily to diverse soil + climate conditions.
Snap Peas: Sweet, crisp pods need trellising. Does best when planted early in the season.
Purple Snap Peas: Sweet, crisp beautiful purple pods need trellising. Does best planted early in the season.
SPINACH
Dislikes high temperatures. Space at 6 in. in rows 1 ft. apart. Selectively harvest as baby leaf or allow to grow to bunching size. If the leaves turn from rounded to pointed, the plant is preparing to flower; harvest crop in its entirety as it will grow bitter.
SWISS CHARD
Space plants 1 ft. apart in rows 1-1.5 ft. apart. Can be planted more densely but will result in smaller leaves. Harvest the larger outer leaves and allow to regrow before picking again. Can produce all season.
Broccoli Rabe: (45 days) Easy to grow Italian specialty green. Delicious when cooked with olive oil, garlic and pepper flakes.
Red Mustard Green: (23 days) Burgundy leaves adorn this beautiful plant. Mild when baby, full sized leaves are spicier.
Transplant into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Cold-tolerant and ready-to-plant at time of purchase. Most greens perform best in cooler temperatures.
DANDELION GREENS
Verdant green leaves with an upright growth habit and pleasantly bitter taste. A super cold-tolerant green that dislikes warm weather. Plant as soon as possible. Harvest as baby leaf or allow to reach full maturity. For full size, space at 6-8 in.
HEAD LETTUCE
Space plants 1 ft. apart for full heads or at 6 in. for mini heads.
Butterhead: Also known as Boston. Forms tight heads of ruffled leaves with a soft blanched heart. Sweet buttery flavor. Green and Red Leaf: Mild-flavored leafy lettuce in shades of green or red.
Romaine (Green, Red, and Red & Green Mix): Upright leaves are sweet and juicy with a delightful crunchy texture.
COLLARDS/KALE
Space plants 1-1.5 ft. apart in rows 1.5-2 ft. apart. Use of row cover is encouraged to avoid flea beetle and cabbage looper damage. Start harvest with the larger leaves at the plant’s base. Avoid stripping all of the leaves for optimal regrowth. Can produce all season.
Champion Collards: Broad, dark green leaves that are tender in texture.
Curly Green Kale: Prolific producer of curled green leaves. Great raw in smoothies and salads.
Lacinato Kale: Also known as Tuscan or dinosaur kale. Slender, deeply savoyed, dark blue-green leaves.
Red Kale: Frilly deep purple leaves. Great for eating and cooking. Escarole: Leafy green that’s part of the chicory family with bitter taste.
BASIL
Easy to grow in average garden soil. Many perform well in containers. Annual herbs will produce for one season while perennials regrow each spring. Tender perennials may require mulching or to be brought indoors to survive the winter. Biennials set seed in their second season and are treated as annuals. Note the individual requirements listed below.
Annual. Requires full sun. Transplant 6-8 in. apart in rows 1.5 ft. apart after danger of frost has passed. Provide protection if temperatures drop to 45°F or lower. Harvest leaves from the top down, pinching above a leaf pair. Remove blossoms as it encourages growth while preventing bitterness.
Genovese: Authentic Italian basil. Dark green aromatic foliage. Purple: Dark, glossy purple leaves boasting classic basil flavor.
Thai: Delicate, green leaves on dark purple stems with purple blooms. Sweet anise aroma and taste.
BEE BALM
Perennial. Multiuse herb that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds! Edible flower petals are minty and spicy.
BORAGE
Annual. Large plants produce hundreds of small, mild cucumber flavored edible flowers. Flowers attract bees and butterflies.
BLACK EYED SUSANS
(Rudbeckia) US Native wildflower tolerates difficult conditions, including drought once it is established.
CATNIP
Perennial. Plant 1-2 ft. apart in average soil. A member of the mint family and prone to spread. After established, the top third of the plant can be harvested. Fencing required to protect from cats. Dry in bunches or on screens for cat treats or as herbal tea. Ornamental and a great pollinator plant.
CHIVES
Perennial. Prefers in-ground planting. Space plants 4-8 in. apart in sun or partial shade. Both the leaves and flowers are edible. Greens become tough once flowering. Pinch back blossoms mid-season to avoid seeding “volunteers” and to encourage more tender shoots. Use in place of scallions.
CILANTRO
Annual. Also called coriander as it produces coriander seeds. Use straight from the pot and replenish your supply as needed with new plants or seeds. Keep soil moist in an area with full sun. A must have for fresh salsa.
COSMOS
Beautiful delicate blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Plants readily self-seed.
DILL
Annual. Use straight from the pot. Place in full sun and keep soil moist. Replenish as needed with new plants or seeds. Seed heads used in dill pickles.
ECHINACEA
Perennial. Easy to grow plants have large purple petaled flowers. Is a great food source for bees. Fibrous roots are easy to harvest to make tinctures.
LEMONGRASS
Tender perennial. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost. Space 1.5-3 ft. apart in full sun. Prefers average to moist soil. Harvest once wellestablished. Select single stalks from the exterior or harvest the entire clump before a frost. Use fresh or dried.
LEMON BALM
Perennial. This lemony flavored herb is great for tea and salads. Easy to grow, flowers attract bees.
LEMON VERBENA
Tender perennial. Space 1 ft. apart in rows 2-3 ft. apart in well-drained soil or grow in a container. Sweet lemon flavor is refreshing for tea and in desserts. Plant near walkways where its fragrance can be appreciated.
LOVEAGE
Perennial. Space 2-3 ft. apart in moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Will grow up to 6 ft. tall. Harvest select leaves in the first year. Subsequently, whole branches can be harvested. Leaves and young stems both taste strongly of celery. Good in soups and sauces.
LAVENDER LOVE:
Did you know that there are more than 45 species of lavender and over 450 varieties?! Check out some of our favorites and the ones you can find at New Morning Market this season. Whether it is for tea, crafting, creating essential oils or beautifying your backyard, we have the lavender for you.
GROWING LAVENDER:
Lavender is a Perennial that should be spaced 1-1.5 feet apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. It requires well-drained, gravelly soil in full sun to thrive. A south-facing location is ideal. Harvest fragrant flowers just before they open. The flowers can be used either fresh or dried.
Amend soil with lime rock powder
MARIGOLD
Annual. Great for pots or in the garden! Attracts beneficial insects. Flowers are edible. Flavor is floral, citrus and spice. Remove the petals from the base as the base can be quite bitter.
MINT*
Perennial. Space plants 1.5-2 ft. apart in moist yet well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tendency to spread if not contained. Harvest regularly.
Apple Mint: Has soft fuzzy leaves and a fruity aroma. Adaptable: tolerates hot, dry conditions better than other mints and can also be grown indoors.
Peppermint: Dark green foliage with splendid flavor and aroma. Great for tea.
Spearmint: Produces bright green leaves with lavender flowers. Commonly used in cooking. The most aggressive grower of all mints.
*Mint is one of those beautiful and varietal herbs that surprises us throughout the season! Be on the lookout for additional varieties such as ginger mint, kentucky mint, mojito mint, variegated mint, corsican mint & more!
MOUNTAIN MINT
Perennial. A beneficial insect attractor. This mint makes a beautiful, aromatic addition to bouquets. Sturdy mint scented foliage + white flowers.
NASTURTIUM
Annual. Transplant 8-12 in. apart in well-drained soil with exposure to full sun or partial shade. Plant 3-5 plants in hanging baskets or containers. Delaying planting will stunt growth. Produces beautiful edible flowers, foliage, and seed pods with a spicy peppery flavor. Lovely in salads and as a garnish.
NICOTIANA
Fragrant, star shaped bell blooms sit on tall sturdy stems. Quick to bloom and will continuously produce when cut back regularly.
OREGANO
Perennial. Transplant in average soil with full sun. Space plants 1 ft. apart. Pinch back new growth.
PARSLEY
Biennial. Space plants 1 ft. apart in fertile soil in an area with full sun. When harvesting, select large outer leaves. Inner leaves will continue to grow. Mature plants are cold-hardy. Will regrow in spring to set seed.
Curly: Grows into a dense clump 8-14 in. tall. More productive and with a milder flavor than flat parsley. Its curly leaf shape adds loft to dishes. Flat: Also known as Italian parsley, it has flat serrated leaves which boast a stronger flavor than curly parsley. Favored by chefs for this reason.
PINEAPPLE SAGE
Tender Perennial. Space plants 2-3 ft. apart in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Highly ornamental with red flowers. Looks and smells wonderful in floral arrangements. It really does smell like pineapple! Delicious as a tea.
ROSEMARY
Tender perennial. Typically grown as an annual outdoors (8-10 in. spacing) or overwintered indoors. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Use with pork, seafood, and potatoes. Delightful with fresh garlic and olive oil.
SHISO
Perennial. Cinnamon/clove flavor and aroma with the spiciness of cumin. Great in sushi, salads and cooked.
THYME
Perennial. Plant 8-12 in. apart in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. After it’s established, harvest prior to flowering. Use with lamb, pork, cheese, vegetables, and eggs.
SORREL
Perennial. This brightly lemon flavored herb produces some of the earliest greens of spring. Great for cocktails, soups, sauces and amazing fish.
YARROW
Perennial. This long lasting herb is drought tolerant, and the beautiful low maintenance flowers are great for cutting and attract beneficial insects.
SAGE
Perennial. Space plants 1 ft. apart in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Good drainage necessary for overwintering. A little goes a long way. Pairs well with butternut squash, apples, pork, beef, duck, and chicken.
SCENTED GERANIUMS
Tender Perennial. Not a true geranium. Space 1 ft. apart in well-drained soil in full sun. Bring indoors to overwinter. A fragrant addition for cut flowers. Also edible! Use in drinks, jams, and baked goods.
TARRAGON
Perennial. Space 1.5 ft. apart in well-drained gravelly soil in full sun. Harvest sparingly until plant is well-established. Has a subtle anise flavor. Great with chicken, fish, eggs, and vegetables.
TULSI (HOLY BASIL)
Attractive, compact plants are great for teas, culinary and medicinal use. Mild spicy aroma has a hint of sweetness!
New Morning Market has been committed to the good food lifestyle since opening our doors in 1971.
Thank you for being a part of our family.
Many vegetables can be sown as succession plantings for continued harvest throughout the growing season. With planning, you can sow seeds during the summer months for abundant harvests until the killing frost. For best results in late fall, use cold-hardy varieties and insulating row cover.
CROP VARIETY PLANTING NOTES
Arugula Astro, Grazia Sow April - late August
Asian Greens Mizuna, Prize Choy, Tatsoi Sow by mid-August for fall
Beets Bull’s Blood, Detroit Dark Red Sow mid-July for fall storage
Broccoli Belstar, De Cicco Sow mid-June for fall
Cabbage Golden Acre, Red Express Sow mid-June for fall
Carrots Danvers, YaYa Sow mid-July for fall storage
Cauliflower Goodman Sow mid-June for fall
Cilantro Caribe Sow April - early September
Cucumbers Marketmore, National Sow late May - July
Dill Greensleeves Sow April - early September
Fennel Finale Sow mid-July for fall
Green Beans Royal Burgundy, Provider Sow late May - July
Kale Curly Roja, Lacinato, Vates, White Russian Sow mid-June - July for fall
Lettuce Rouge d’Hiver Sow April - August
Peas Mammoth Melting Sow July for fall crop
Scallions Parade Bunching Sow April - June
Spinach Giant Winter, Shelby Sow August - early September
Summer Squash Dark Green Zucchini, Success PM Sow late May - July
Radishes Miyashige Daikon, Watermelon Sow August for fall storage
Swiss Chard Rainbow, Ruby Red Sow mid-June - July for fall
Turnips Hakurei, Purple Top Sow mid-July - early August
New Morning Market carries organic fertilizers, compost and potting soil, seed starting supplies, and pest deterrents. All products are OMRI-approved for certified organic production. Come see what we have available! Looking for something specific? Check with us about special orders. We’re happy to support your gardening efforts in any way.
COAST OF MAINE
Portland, ME - 273 miles away
Since 1996, Carlos and Jean Quijano have been producing high quality compost and soil-building products from Maine’s biologically rich resources: salmon, lobster, blueberry, seaweed, and mussels. Their soil-building products are specifically formulated for the organic grower.
NEPTUNE’S HARVEST
Gloucester, MA - 190 miles away
Neptune’s Harvest was born out of a family-owned wholesale fish and seafood company in an effort to fully utilize their fresh fish by-products, thereby transforming waste into one of the best organic fertilizers available today.
NORTH COUNTRY ORGANICS
Gloucester, MA - 214 miles away
Founded by Paul Sachs after his favorite organic fertilizer producer went out of business in 1983 with the concept that agriculture can be productive, successful, and more profitable without compromising the earth’s delicate ecosystem by using harmful chemicals.
ORGANIC FERTILIZERS Fertilizer offers necessary nutrients for healthy plants. Each states an N-P-K breakdown with the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fast-acting and used to primarily feed plants and not the soil. Can be used with house or garden plants, around trees and shrubs, on lawns, and as a compost enhancer.
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food: (5-2-4) Fertilizer for containers, vegetable gardens, flower beds. Great for replenishing soil in your raised bed! It is made with lobster, crab, fish and kelp meal, plus worm castings and other natural ingredients. It can be mixed into the soil for new beds or used to top dress existing plantings.
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer: (2-4-1) Chock-full of readily available vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes which stimulate plant growth. Unlike fish emulsions, retains fish proteins and oils without the unpleasant odor.
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer: (2-3-1) Blend of hydrolyzed fish fertilizer and seaweed concentrate offering the best of both products for more complete fertilization. An excellent choice for the home garden.
Neptune’s Harvest Seaweed Plant Food: (0-0-1) Contains 60+ naturally occurring nutrients to enhance plant development, color, and vigor. Seaweed can increase plant hardiness during temperature extremes and dry spells.
North Country Organic’s Pro-Gro: (5-3-4) General-purpose high-nutrient blend of natural sulfate of potash, phosphate rock, animal and vegetable protein meals, and natural nitrate of soda. Yields rapid results for lawns, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Use 50 lb. per cubic foot.
SOIL-BUILDERS Composting breaks down natural materials, transforming them into a fertilizer rich in nutrients and a soil-building medium high in organic matter. Coast of Maine combines high-quality compost with other components for healthy soils. Incorporate into garden beds prior to planting, top-dress plants already in the ground, and add to potting mix.
Penobscot Blend Compost & Peat: Complete planting mix for annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. Blend of salmon and blueberry compost, peat moss, and mussel shell fragments which help aerate the soil.
Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost: Well-draining mix of chitin- and calcium-rich lobster shells, compost, and peat humus. Ideal for vegetables and herbs.
POTTING SOIL Container growing requires different blends for different stages of plant life. Use a lighter textured propagation mix for starting seeds or cuttings. As seedlings mature, transplant or “pot up” into a moisture-holding nutrient-dense blend. Coast of Maine offers both.
Stonington Blend Growers Mix: A complex “super soil” designed for high performance container growing. It works well with tomatoes, and, where growing cannabis and medical marijuana is legal, growers have reported tremendous results. This soil incorporates mycorrhizal fungi, kelp, fish bone and alfalfa meal, as well as worm castings, peat, coir and lobster compost.
Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil: A lighter mix that still holds moisture. Formulated for house plants, hanging baskets, window boxes, and all other containers. Made with salmon, blueberry, and lobster composts, lobster shells, sphagnum peat, perlite, and kelp meal.
Sprout Island Seed Starter: Designed for germinating seeds and rooting plant cuttings. This ready-to-use blend includes mycorrhizae, worm castings, kelp, and compost.
Castine Blend Organic Raised Bed Mix: A rich soil for growing healthy vegetables and herbs in raised beds, planter boxes, and containers. Made with composted manure, worm castings, lobster and kelp meals, mycorrhizae, greensand, and biochar.
Tomato & Vegetable Planting Soil: A great soil conditioner for improving and revitalizing the soil in and around your vegetable garden beds. Made with premium ingredients, it contains compost, lobster, and lime.
MULCH Suppresses weed and insect pressure while helping to control soil temperature and moisture content. Mulch also helps to tidy up the appearance of your gardens, beds, borders, and walkways. Coast of Maine’s mulches are enriching and add organic matter to the soil when incorporated.
Fundy Blend: Humified birch and maple bark meet partially humified hemlock bark and a blend of kelp solids and sphagnum moss peat. The result is an almost black humus rich in organic matter with all the added benefits of both compost and kelp. The ideal top-dress for roses and perennials.
Dark Harbor Blend: Dark Harbor Blend Enriching Mulch is an exceptionally rich, naturally dark, fine textured blend of composted bark. It helps retain moisture and insulate the surface soil against temperature variations that can harm roots. Because it is composted, it will not rob the soil of nitrogen and can be dug into the beds in the fall to improve the organic content of the soil.
serve us and our communities in many different ways, from adding delicious flavors to our favorite dishes to feeding our pollinator friends to being medicinal (and if you ask some people, magical!). We’ve created a chart to help you pick what plants are right for the garden you are growing this year. Maybe you’re growing a culinary garden, or a pollinator-friendly one, a traditional herbal medicinal garden or a magic one, or even a little of everything!
Basil
Bee Balm
Borage
Calendua
Catnip
Chives
Cilantro
Cosmos
Dill
Echinacea
Lavender
Lemon
Verbena
Lemongrass
Lovage
Nasturtium
Nicotiana
Oregano
Parsley
Pineapple
Sage
Rosemary
Sage
Scented
Geranium
Shiso
Sorrel
Tarragon
Thyme
Tusli (Holy Basil)
Yarrow
ANNUAL A plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one year and then dies.
BIENNIAL A plant that requires two years to complete its life cycle, setting seed in its second year. Often treated as annuals.
COMPOST Decayed organic matter which enriches soil. Fosters the activity of beneficial bacteria and fungi while improving soil structure and adding nutrients.
DAYS TO MATURITY The number of days until harvest. With directseeded crops this count starts at sowing. With transplanted crops— those that are usually started indoors—the count starts when setting out seedlings.
DETERMINATE “Bush” tomato varieties. Determinate tomatoes grow to a compact size (4 ft. on average) making them easier to stake or cage. Their fruits ripen over a concentrated window of 1-2 weeks.
HYBRID Varieties resulting from an intentional cross of two different varieties of the same plant to form offspring with improved traits. Seed saved from hybrids will not breed true-to-type in the next generation. Praised for uniformity and vigor.
INDETERMINATE Vining tomato types. Their sprawling stature requires more elaborate trellising and pruning throughout the season. Indeterminate tomatoes have a higher ratio of leaves to fruit resulting in better flavor.
OPEN-POLLINATED (OP) Varieties that, if properly isolated, will breed true-to-type. All heirloom seeds are open-pollinated.
PERENNIAL A plant that lives for more than two years. Most periennials should be divided every 3-5 years to maintain plant vigor.
ROW COVER Also know as floating row cover or garden fabric. Useful in the organic garden for pest protection and for protecting plants from frost at either end of the season.
TENDER PERENNIAL Perennial grown on the edge of its hardiness zone. Susceptible to cold and may require mulching or to be brought indoors to survive the winter.
Founded in 1982, the mission of CT NOFA (CT Northeast Organic Farmers Association) is to ensure the growth and viability of organic agriculture, organic food, and organic land care in Connecticut.
To achieve this mission CT NOFA has several food-based initiatives and hosts seasonal conferences to support farmer education, habitat restoration, soil health, and organic land care, which trains the next generation of organic landscapers, land managers, and conservationists. They also act as a resource connecting the people of this state to fresh food and locally grown products through their interactive maps online.
By partnering with farmers, local government, educational institutions, and businesses like New Morning Market, CT NOFA does the important work of advocating for sustainable agriculture, agricultural justice, and interconnected healthy communities living in ecological balance deeply rooted in a sense of place, grounded in organic care of the land.
CELEBRATING 50+ YEARS OF GOODNESS
New Morning Market has been committed to the good food lifestyle since opening our doors in 1971. With a team of over 100 employees working with countless local producers as well as partnering with dozens of local nonprofit organizations throughout the year, we ensure that the environment and the community continues to be at the forefront of our vision.
VOTED BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE IN CONNECTICUT
New Morning Market is always working to bring new, exciting, and healthful foods & products to our customers. We believe good food is key to a good life, that a good life is one shared among good people, that good people are good to the earth and that goodness is all around. The Goodness is In @NewMorningMarket.
203.263.4868 129 Main St. North, Woodbury CT
