The ‘Gurus’ of Grow-Your-Own

It’s hard finding dirt in the city, but North Haven Gardens has the scoop, especially on the kind we need to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Everyone’s favorite? It’s the tomato, says Cody Hoya, North Haven Gardens general manager.

“Tomatoes are especially fun to grow with children. They are easy, rewarding and a product children will sample,” he says. “North Haven Gardens has dozens of varieties during peak season.”

With spring planting season here, Hoya says we need to plant early, ideally by the last week of March.

“Of course, there’s still the chance for a freeze this time of year; when temperatures drop below 45 degrees, plants must be protected while establishing a root system,” Hoya says.

Peppers pick up in April and May, along with squash, melons, and okra. Salad greens and cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts arrive later for fall and winter planting, and they thrive in containers, he says. North Haven Gardens’ herb and vegetable transplants are locally sourced from growers here in north Texas, Hoya says. But for gardeners seeking unique “treasure hunt” items, North Haven Gardens sources exotic and tropical finds such as ginger, curry, pineapple, and citrus whenever they’re available—but call in advance, as specialty stock can be fleeting.

North Haven Gardens guests can tour on-site vegetable

Early Spring: Tomatoes how a man showed up at his halfway house with a bag of clothes and talked to him about God. Things fell into place, and he got a job as a male model. He strutted this room, and he was a fabulous looking guy. I can’t imagine that he had that confidence the day before he got released from prison. That was one of those “wow” moments showing the impact that our organization can make.

What other “wow” moments have you had? About six months ago, we were doing construction on our warehouse. Two guys who had been released within the last week and were living in a halfway house donated their time to help with the work. I was driving them back to the halfway house, and I asked one to use Waze to help with direction. I handed him my phone and he says, “What is this? What do I do?” He had been in prison for five years. He was in his late 20s. Technology changes so fast. There’s a huge adjustment for them.

Have you ever felt endangered?

Never.

Interview edited for clarity and brevity.

Spring Planting Schedule

FEB. 1 – MARCH 1

Seed Potatoes

Crowns: Asparagus, Horseradish, Rhubarb Cruciferous vegetables (by transplants): Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower

FEB. 1 – MARCH 15

Root Vegetables (by seed): Beets, Carrots, Turnips Greens (by seed): Collard Greens, Kale, Lettuce, Spinach

MARCH 15 - APRIL 20

Pole Beans/Snap Peas (by seed)

LATE FEB -APRIL 1 Tomato (transplants)

MARCH 15 – MAY 1

Melons (by seed): Cantaloupe, Watermelon

For a full planting calendar visit nhg.com/guides/northtexas-vegetable-plantingdates/

MARCH 15 – MID-JUNE

Corn (by seed )

Pepper Transplants

Squash/Zucchini/Cucumbers/ Watermelon (by seed or transplant)

MARCH 25 – APRIL 30

Pumpkin (by seed or transplant)

APRIL 1 – MID-JUNE Black Eyed Peas (by seed)

Eggplant (transplants ) Okra (by seed or transplant)

Late Spring: Peppers, squash, melons, and okra display gardens filled with actively growing crops. Garden advisors offer expert tips about succeeding at home throughout the growing season — from the tropical and hardy to fruits, berries and hybrids.

North Haven Gardens’ website — nhg.com — is a great resource for planting news and deadlines, Hoya says. Also check out the year-round calendar listing free and paid classes highlighting how, when, where, and what to plant for success.

Fall: Salad greens and cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts

Stop by North Haven Gardens at 7700 Northaven Road in Dallas, call 214-363-5316 or visit the website at nhg.com.