{"coordinates":{"lat":48.118,"lng":-123.43},"zone":{"zone":"8b","zoneNumber":8,"subzone":"b","minTempF":15,"maxTempF":20,"source":"prism-2023","resolvedFrom":"coords-nearest","distanceKm":2.9,"zip":"98362"},"climateType":"maritime","frostDates":{"zone":"8b","lastSpring":"03-15","firstFall":"11-30","seasonDays":260},"asOf":"2026-05-14","plantNow":[{"slug":"buckwheat","commonName":"Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"cover-crop","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-13","daysToHarvest":{"min":30,"max":60},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-06-13","notes":"Quick summer cover; flowers in 30 days, Fast cover, weed suppression, pollinator forage. Frost-killed — terminate easily.","companions":[{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Buckwheat blooms within 30 days of seeding and is among the strongest hoverfly and honey bee draws available; massively increases cucumber flower visitation. Often grown as a summer cover-strip alongside cucurbits."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, buckwheat draws bees that improve squash female-flower fruit set; quick-bloom annual fits the squash vining season."},{"slug":"broccoli","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Buckwheat preceding spring broccoli (as a late-summer cover the year before) supports beneficial-insect populations and suppresses weeds; flowers attract hoverflies that prey on broccoli aphids."},{"slug":"tomato","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Buckwheat strips alongside tomato draw hoverflies and parasitoid wasps that prey on aphids and tomato hornworm; bonus quick weed suppression."},{"slug":"pepper-sweet","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as tomato, buckwheat strips support beneficial-insect populations that reduce pepper aphid and thrip pressure."},{"slug":"onion-yellow-storage","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Buckwheat used as a short summer break between onion plantings smothers pigweed and lambsquarters within 30 days, then turns under to leave loose seedbed for fall sets."},{"slug":"onion-walla-walla","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Short 6 week buckwheat catch crop ahead of fall-planted Walla Walla onions outcompetes summer annuals and breaks down quickly enough to avoid tying up nitrogen."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"amaranth-blitum-leaf","commonName":"Purple Amaranth Leaf","scientificName":"Amaranthus blitum","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":30,"max":60},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-06-13","notes":"Herb layer leaf amaranth, Mediterranean traditional. C4 heat lover. Cut and come again greens, mild flavor. Self seeds, becomes garden volunteer.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"vegetable-amaranth-callaloo-tricolor","commonName":"Tricolor Vegetable Amaranth","scientificName":"Amaranthus tricolor","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":35,"max":55},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-06-18","notes":"Surface sow; heat-loving leafy green; pick leaves at 4 to 6 inches for tender baby leaf., Brilliant green, red, and yellow tricolor leaves; SE Asian staple as bayam, Caribbean callaloo, and Indian thotakura; cook like spinach. Heat tolerant where spinach bolts.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"vegetable-amaranth-red-cruentus","commonName":"Red Vegetable Amaranth","scientificName":"Amaranthus cruentus","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":40,"max":60},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-06-23","notes":"Direct seed shallowly; succession every 3 weeks for continuous baby-leaf harvest., Deep red-purple leaves with mild earthy flavor; doubles as grain crop if allowed to mature; African and Caribbean staple. Color leaches red into rice when stewed.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"zucchini","commonName":"Zucchini","scientificName":"Cucurbita pepo","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":45,"max":60},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-06-28","notes":"One or two plants per household is plenty. Pick at 6-8 inches; oversized fruit pulls energy from new ones., Powdery mildew pressure mid-season — choose resistant varieties (Dunja, Anton, Spineless Beauty); succession sow 3-4 weeks apart so younger plants take over as older ones decline.","companions":[{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Nasturtium decoys squash bugs and cucumber beetles away from zucchini plants; sacrificial host that can be sprayed with insecticidal soap when colonies build."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"amaranth","commonName":"Amaranth","scientificName":"Amaranthus cruentus","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":110},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Dual-purpose: young leaves are a heat-tolerant cooking green; mature seed heads are a pseudo-grain. Self-sows.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"bush-bean","commonName":"Bush Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus vulgaris","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":65},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Succession sow every 2-3 weeks until 60 days before first fall frost, No transplant — beans dislike root disturbance. Inoculate with Rhizobium for best yields., Wait until soil hits 60°F to direct sow — cool soil rots seed. Avoid mulch until soil warms.","companions":[{"slug":"sweet-corn","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Bush beans fix nitrogen via Rhizobium nodules, available to adjacent corn over the season. Non-climbing habit avoids competing with corn stalks for canopy space."},{"slug":"cabbage","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Bush beans planted in rotation or as adjacent interplant supply nitrogen to heavy-feeding brassicas; rotation works better than same-bed in most climates."},{"slug":"broccoli","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Bush beans fix nitrogen via Rhizobium nodules and supply heavy-feeding broccoli. Rotation works better than same-bed; avoid alliums in the rotation block."},{"slug":"kale","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Bush beans in rotation or as adjacent interplant supply nitrogen to kale; useful in the same-year rotation slot or as a preceding crop."},{"slug":"cauliflower","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as broccoli, bush bean nitrogen supports cauliflower's heavy nitrogen demand for head formation."},{"slug":"beet","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Bush beans fix nitrogen for adjacent beets in rotation; avoid alliums in the same bed since beets and alliums can compete for surface root zone."},{"slug":"strawberry","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Bush beans in the rotation before strawberry plantings supply nitrogen for fruit development; avoid same-bed alliums in either crop's slot."},{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Nasturtium attracts aphids and Mexican bean beetle away from bean plants; sacrificial host."},{"slug":"cilantro","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cilantro flowers attract hoverflies that prey on bean aphids; bolt cilantro intentionally near beans for sustained beneficial-insect support."},{"slug":"marigold","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Marigold deters Mexican bean beetle and aphids near bush bean; nematode suppression as a secondary benefit for any rotation crop."},{"slug":"savory-summer","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Summer savory volatiles deter Mexican bean beetle and aphids; the classic European companion to bush beans, often planted in alternating rows."}],"antagonists":[{"slug":"fennel-herb","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Fennel inhibits bean growth via allelopathic root and leaf compounds; observed stunting at planting distances under 4 ft."},{"slug":"garlic","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Garlic's sulfur compounds inhibit Rhizobium nitrogen-fixing bacteria in bean root nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation and stunting growth. Plant at minimum 3 ft separation."},{"slug":"onion","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Onion sulfur compounds disrupt Rhizobium symbiosis in bean nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation and stunting growth."},{"slug":"leek","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Leek shares allium-family allelopathic effects on bean Rhizobium symbiosis, though less pronounced than bulb garlic or onion."},{"slug":"chive","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Chive sulfur compounds inhibit bean nodule activity; effect mild but documented. Keep chive perennial bed away from bean rotation."},{"slug":"wormwood","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as tomato — wormwood absinthin severely inhibits bean germination and growth."},{"slug":"sunflower","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower allelochemicals suppress bean germination and early growth; observed stunting at planting distances under 3 ft."}]},{"slug":"cucumber","commonName":"Cucumber","scientificName":"Cucumis sativus","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":70},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Trellising saves space and reduces disease. Pick frequently to keep plants producing., Cool soil delays germination; start indoors and pre-warm beds with black plastic. Powdery mildew pressure high — pick resistant varieties (Marketmore 76, Diva).","companions":[{"slug":"sweet-corn","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Cucumber vines crawl through corn rows, shading soil and suppressing weeds at the bed level. Don't combine with squash in the same row — only one ground-layer crop per bed."},{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Nasturtium attracts aphids and cucumber beetles away from cucumber vines as a sacrificial host. Best planted at the ends of cucumber rows."},{"slug":"dill","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Dill flowers bring beneficial insects (hoverflies, parasitic wasps) that control cucumber pests; minor traditional claim of pickling-flavor synergy when grown adjacent."},{"slug":"radish","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Radishes planted among cucumber vines attract cucumber beetles and flea beetles; let some bolt to flower and continue trapping. Sacrificial radishes can be removed and replanted as needed."},{"slug":"phacelia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Lacy phacelia is among the most attractive bee plants known; massively increases honey-bee and bumblebee visitation to cucurbit flowers. Documented yield boost in pollinator-limited regions."},{"slug":"sunflower","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower's large composite flowers attract diverse native and managed pollinators; cucumber yield benefits from increased bee visitation."},{"slug":"echinacea","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Native purple coneflower attracts native bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps; long bloom period (8+ weeks) supports pollinators throughout cucurbit flowering."},{"slug":"borage","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Borage flowers attract bumblebees and honey bees that improve cucumber fruit set, particularly in cool maritime climates where pollinator activity is limited."},{"slug":"marigold","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"French marigold (Tagetes patula) suppresses root-knot nematodes near cucumber roots via alpha-terthienyl. Plant 12-18 inches from cucumber base."},{"slug":"bee-balm","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Native bee balm (Monarda) attracts bumblebees and hummingbirds; cucumber benefits from sustained native bee visitation to flowers."},{"slug":"anise-hyssop","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Anise hyssop is a top-tier bee magnet whose long bloom period (8-10 weeks) overlaps cucumber flowering; documented yield boost in pollinator-limited regions."},{"slug":"zinnia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia attracts bees and butterflies that improve cucumber pollination; place at row ends for visibility to passing pollinators."},{"slug":"cosmos","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cosmos draws bees that improve cucumber pollination; place at sunny bed corners for full visibility to pollinators."},{"slug":"sweet-alyssum","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Alyssum hoverflies prey on aphids near cucumber; also draws minor bee visitation that improves pollination."},{"slug":"buckwheat","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Buckwheat blooms within 30 days of seeding and is among the strongest hoverfly and honey bee draws available; massively increases cucumber flower visitation. Often grown as a summer cover-strip alongside cucurbits."},{"slug":"nasturtium-jewel-mix","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"strong","description":"Jewel mix nasturtium planted on the perimeter of cucumber rows pulls cucumber beetles and squash bugs to itself, sparing the crop. Pull infested plants weekly to break the cycle."},{"slug":"catnip-nepeta-cataria-medicinal","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Catnip nepetalactone deters cucumber beetle and flea beetle when grown around cucumber beds. Plant 1 catnip per 6 ft of cucumber row but mow before seed-set."},{"slug":"shiso-perilla-green","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Green shiso interplanted with cucumber repels small leafhoppers and serves as a heat-tolerant edible companion. Plant at 18 inch spacing on cucumber bed edges."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"marigold","commonName":"Marigold","scientificName":"Tagetes patula","category":"flower","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":70},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Repels nematodes — plant near tomatoes and beans. French marigolds are most effective for nematode control.","companions":[{"slug":"tomato","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"French marigolds (Tagetes patula) produce alpha-terthienyl and other thiophene compounds in their roots that suppress root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). The strongest empirically-supported companion-planting effect known. Plant 12-18 inches from tomato roots."},{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"French marigold (Tagetes patula) suppresses root-knot nematodes near cucumber roots via alpha-terthienyl. Plant 12-18 inches from cucumber base."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, marigold root chemistry suppresses root-knot nematodes around winter squash. Bonus aphid and whitefly deterrence above ground."},{"slug":"cantaloupe","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Marigold nematode suppression around cantaloupe vines reduces yield losses on infested ground; particularly valuable in repeatedly-cropped melon beds."},{"slug":"watermelon","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Marigold suppresses root-knot nematodes around watermelon roots; standard southern-garden interplant where nematodes limit melon yields."},{"slug":"pepper-sweet","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"French marigold (Tagetes patula) suppresses root-knot nematodes near pepper roots via alpha-terthienyl; same nematode chemistry as the marigold-tomato pairing."},{"slug":"eggplant","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as tomato and pepper, marigold root chemistry suppresses root-knot nematodes around eggplant. Bonus aphid and whitefly deterrence above ground."},{"slug":"potato","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Marigold alpha-terthienyl suppresses root-knot and root-lesion nematodes around potato; particularly valuable in repeatedly-cropped potato beds."},{"slug":"bush-bean","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Marigold deters Mexican bean beetle and aphids near bush bean; nematode suppression as a secondary benefit for any rotation crop."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"new-zealand-spinach","commonName":"New Zealand Spinach","scientificName":"Tetragonia tetragonoides","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":70},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Soak seed 24 hours before planting, Spinach-like leaves all summer; not a true spinach. Pinch tips to encourage branching.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"okra","commonName":"Okra","scientificName":"Abelmoschus esculentus","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":65},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Soak seeds 12 hours before planting, Pick pods at 2-4 inches; older pods get tough. Wear gloves — spines irritate skin., Truly marginal — soil rarely reaches 70°F that okra needs. Black plastic mulch + low tunnel may produce a thin crop in zone 8b warm summers; consider skipping.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"sudangrass-piper","commonName":"Piper Sudangrass","scientificName":"Sorghum sudanense","category":"forage","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Annual summer forage; sow after soil reaches 65F. Fast biomass for grazing and silage., Piper is a USDA-released sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense, syn. Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) selected for low prussic acid content, reducing livestock poisoning risk during regrowth. Fast-growing warm-season annual forage. Distinct from existing sorghum-sudan entry.","companions":[{"slug":"carrot-st-valery","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Sudangrass Piper releases sorgoleone, an allelopathic root exudate that suppresses pigweed and lambsquarters before slow-emerging carrot St Valery seedlings."},{"slug":"beet","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Mow-killed sudangrass residue suppresses early-season weeds in direct-seeded beet plots and adds 4 to 6 tons of biomass that improves beet root expansion."},{"slug":"parsnip","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Parsnip is slow to germinate so weed pressure is critical. Sudangrass Piper terminated the prior summer leaves allelopathic residues that suppress weeds for 4 to 6 weeks."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"summer-squash","commonName":"Summer Squash","scientificName":"Cucurbita pepo","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":65},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Yellow crookneck, pattypan, and straightneck. Same care as zucchini., Same powdery mildew pressure as zucchini — choose resistant pattypan and yellow crookneck (Sunburst, Sunray F1). Cut-and-come-again — pick young.","companions":[{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as winter squash — nasturtium decoys squash bugs and cucumber beetles."},{"slug":"borage","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as winter squash, borage draws bees to summer squash flowers and supports continuous fruit set."},{"slug":"dill","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as winter squash, dill flowers support beneficials that target squash bug nymphs on summer squash."},{"slug":"radish","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Radish acts as a sacrificial host for cucumber beetle and squash bug near summer squash; remove infested plants before pests disperse back."},{"slug":"phacelia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as winter squash, phacelia draws bees to summer squash flowers and improves female-flower fruit set."},{"slug":"anise-hyssop","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, anise hyssop sustains pollinator populations through the long summer squash season."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"zinnia","commonName":"Zinnia","scientificName":"Zinnia elegans","category":"flower","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":50,"max":75},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-03","notes":"Pollinator and cut-flower champion. Pinch first set of leaves for branching. Powdery mildew prone — water at soil.","companions":[{"slug":"tomato","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia attracts butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds; bumblebees drawn by zinnia improve tomato buzz pollination and fruit set."},{"slug":"pepper-sweet","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia draws bumblebees and native bees that improve pepper flower fruit set; long bloom window covers the full pepper season."},{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia attracts bees and butterflies that improve cucumber pollination; place at row ends for visibility to passing pollinators."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia draws bumblebees that improve squash female-flower fruit set; bonus visual screen for sprawling squash beds."},{"slug":"eggplant","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia attracts bumblebees whose buzz pollination significantly improves eggplant fruit set."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"tepary-bean-brown","commonName":"Brown Tepary Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus acutifolius","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-04-14","windowEnd":"2026-05-29","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Plant with summer monsoon rains; extremely drought tolerant; matures on single deep irrigation., Brown-seeded tepary; lower glycemic than common bean; nutty earthy flavor; traditional Tohono Oodham bean grown on as little as 4 inches annual rainfall.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"cosmos","commonName":"Cosmos","scientificName":"Cosmos bipinnatus","category":"flower","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Don't fertilize — poor soil = more flowers. Self-sows. Beneficial-insect attractor.","companions":[{"slug":"tomato","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cosmos attracts hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on tomato hornworm and aphids; long bloom window through tomato fruit set."},{"slug":"pepper-sweet","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cosmos draws hoverflies and parasitoid wasps that target pepper aphids and thrips; minor pollinator boost from bee visitation."},{"slug":"broccoli","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cosmos attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage moth larvae and aphids on broccoli."},{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Cosmos draws bees that improve cucumber pollination; place at sunny bed corners for full visibility to pollinators."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"millet-japanese","commonName":"Japanese Millet","scientificName":"Echinochloa esculenta","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Fast-growing summer millet; tolerates wet feet. Excellent waterfowl forage., Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta) is a fast-growing warm-season annual tolerant of wet soils and shallow flooding. Used for emergency forage, waterfowl food plots, and grain in Asia. 60 to 75 day crop.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"pole-bean","commonName":"Pole Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus vulgaris","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":80},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Single sowing produces all season. Needs 6-8 ft trellis., Wait for warm soil; long climbing season works in maritime once established. Powdery mildew pressure — airflow on trellis helps.","companions":[{"slug":"sweet-corn","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen via Rhizobium root-nodule symbiosis; nitrogen released to companion corn over the season enriches the soil heavy-feeding corn depletes. The defining N-cycle pairing of the Three Sisters."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Nitrogen released by bean root-nodule activity supplements squash needs as developing fruit ripens."},{"slug":"radish","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Radish attracts flea beetles away from young bean plants; allow some radishes to flower to maintain trap activity through bean establishment."},{"slug":"savory-summer","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean, summer savory deters Mexican bean beetle near pole beans."},{"slug":"sunflower-mammoth","mechanism":"structural_support","strength":"strong","description":"Sow Mammoth sunflowers 3 weeks before pole beans so the 2 to 3 meter stalks form a living trellis; one stalk supports 2 to 3 bean vines through harvest."},{"slug":"sunflower-italian-white","mechanism":"structural_support","strength":"strong","description":"Italian White sunflower stalks make a strong pole bean trellis; sow sunflowers 3 weeks before beans and thin to one stalk per 30 cm."}],"antagonists":[{"slug":"fennel-herb","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean — pole bean is also severely affected by fennel's allelopathic chemistry."},{"slug":"garlic","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean — garlic disrupts Rhizobium symbiosis in pole bean nodules."},{"slug":"onion","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean — onion disrupts pole bean Rhizobium activity."},{"slug":"chive","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Chive sulfur compounds inhibit pole bean nodule activity; effect mild but documented. Keep chive bed away from bean rotation."},{"slug":"sunflower","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean, sunflower hulls and root exudates inhibit pole bean establishment when planted in close proximity."}]},{"slug":"savory-summer","commonName":"Summer Savory","scientificName":"Satureja hortensis","category":"herb","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":75},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Classic bean herb — plant near beans for flavor and pest deterrence.","companions":[{"slug":"bush-bean","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Summer savory volatiles deter Mexican bean beetle and aphids; the classic European companion to bush beans, often planted in alternating rows."},{"slug":"pole-bean","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean, summer savory deters Mexican bean beetle near pole beans."},{"slug":"bean-bush-contender","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Summer savory interplanted with Contender bush beans deters Mexican bean beetle and bean weevil. Classic European companion that also enhances bean flavor at table."},{"slug":"bean-pole-kentucky-wonder","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"moderate","description":"Summer savory at the base of Kentucky Wonder pole bean trellis deters bean beetle. Easy to interplant since both prefer warm soil and full sun."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"white-clover-aberlasting","commonName":"White Clover Aberlasting","scientificName":"Trifolium repens","category":"cover-crop","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-02-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-13","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":180},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Broadcast 3-5 lb/acre spring, Hybrid T. repens x T. ambiguum (Caucasian) for rhizomatous persistence. Drought tolerant ground cover.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"white-clover-kingclover","commonName":"White Clover KingClover","scientificName":"Trifolium repens","category":"cover-crop","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-02-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-13","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":180},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Broadcast or drilled spring or fall, Large-leaf forage and pasture cultivar. Strong persistence under grazing pressure.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"white-clover-tillage","commonName":"White Clover Tillage","scientificName":"Trifolium repens","category":"cover-crop","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-02-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-13","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":180},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Inoculated seed; broadcast at 4-6 lb/acre, Vigorous deep-rooted strain selected for soil-building rotations. Heavy N-fixation, good orchard living mulch.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"tepary-bean-white","commonName":"White Tepary Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus acutifolius","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-04-14","windowEnd":"2026-05-29","daysToHarvest":{"min":60,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-13","notes":"Extreme heat tolerance; productive at 110F where common beans fail., Small white tepary bean from Sonoran Desert; mild sweet flavor; Slow Food Ark of Taste passenger; signature ingredient of Tohono Oodham community kitchens.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"millet-foxtail","commonName":"Foxtail Millet","scientificName":"Setaria italica","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":65,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-18","notes":"Sow after soil warms; dual-purpose forage and grain. Distinct from millet-forage-foxtail catalog entry., Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an ancient grain millet from China with short bristly seed heads. Drought-tolerant. Grain used for porridge and bird seed; hay for cattle. 60 to 85 day crop. Distinct from forage-only foxtail.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"lima-bean","commonName":"Lima Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus lunatus","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":65,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-18","notes":"Needs warmer soil than common beans; rots if planted too early.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"southern-pea-mississippi-silver","commonName":"Mississippi Silver Southern Pea","scientificName":"Vigna unguiculata","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-29","daysToHarvest":{"min":65,"max":75},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-18","notes":"Heat-loving; double-crop after winter wheat in SE US; harvest pods at silver-pink stage., Crowder-type Mississippi heirloom; silvery-pink pods with light brown speckled seeds; mild non-foaming flavor. Wilt resistant; AAS 1990 winner.","companions":[{"slug":"okra-clemson-spineless","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Southern traditional intercrop; cowpea fixes nitrogen for okra, okra provides high vertical shade tolerant cowpea needs. The defining Black American food garden pairing."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"runner-bean","commonName":"Runner Bean","scientificName":"Phaseolus coccineus","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":65,"max":85},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-18","notes":"Edible flowers and pods. Tolerates cooler summers than lima.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"southern-pea-zipper-cream","commonName":"Zipper Cream Southern Pea","scientificName":"Vigna unguiculata","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-29","daysToHarvest":{"min":65,"max":75},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-18","notes":"Plant when soil reliably 70F; tolerant of heat and drought; nitrogen-fixing., Cream-type cowpea; long pods with zipper-easy hull; cream-colored seeds with no eye; sweet mild flavor preferred in Southern US Sunday peas-and-cornbread.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-bigan","commonName":"Bigan Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Japanese soba-grade, Japanese buckwheat with large groats prized for soba noodle making.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"cleome","commonName":"Cleome","scientificName":"Cleome hassleriana","category":"flower","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Heat-tolerant tall annual (4-5 ft). Good back-border companion. Self-sows.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-common-yellow","commonName":"Common Yellow Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Warm season grain, Standard yellow buckwheat, short season grain ideal for honey production and groats.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-kakot","commonName":"Kakot Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Polish heritage buckwheat, Polish heritage buckwheat with strong kernel set in cool summers.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-koban","commonName":"Koban Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-24","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Plant after last frost; frost-sensitive. Quick 70 to 90 day cycle allows summer or late-summer planting., Koban is a Japanese soba-noodle buckwheat selection with plump kernels and high test weight. Short-season grain ideal for summer cover or grain rotation. Frost-sensitive; needs 70F+ for vigorous flowering.","companions":[{"slug":"strawberry-honeoye","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Buckwheat Koban sown after Honeoye renovation grows in 28 days, mobilizes soil phosphorus, and is tilled in before fall planting. Reduces weed pressure year over year."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"malabar-spinach","commonName":"Malabar Spinach","scientificName":"Basella alba","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Heat-loving spinach substitute. Climbing vine — needs trellis.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"sunflower","commonName":"Sunflower","scientificName":"Helianthus annuus","category":"flower","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-15","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Mammoth varieties get 12 ft. Stake or wind-shelter big heads. Cut head when back yellows for seed harvest.","companions":[{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower's large composite flowers attract diverse native and managed pollinators; cucumber yield benefits from increased bee visitation."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower's large composite flowers attract diverse native and managed pollinators; winter squash benefits from increased bee visitation to female flowers."},{"slug":"cantaloupe","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower draws bees and native pollinators that improve cantaloupe fruit set; can also serve as a windbreak for sprawling melon rows."}],"antagonists":[{"slug":"potato","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower roots and decomposing residues release allelochemicals (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids) that suppress potato emergence and tuber growth; keep at least 4 ft separation and avoid sunflower residue in potato beds."},{"slug":"bush-bean","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower allelochemicals suppress bean germination and early growth; observed stunting at planting distances under 3 ft."},{"slug":"pole-bean","mechanism":"allelopathic","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as bush bean, sunflower hulls and root exudates inhibit pole bean establishment when planted in close proximity."}]},{"slug":"sweet-corn","commonName":"Sweet Corn","scientificName":"Zea mays var. saccharata","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":70,"max":95},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-23","notes":"Plant in blocks of 4×4+ for wind pollination, not single rows, Pick when silks are brown and milk shoots from punctured kernel. Eat or freeze same day., Short-season cultivars (Trinity, Bodacious, Sugar Buns); cool soil delays germination — pre-sprout seed in damp paper towel or soak 6-12h before sowing.","companions":[{"slug":"pole-bean","mechanism":"structural_support","strength":"strong","description":"Corn stalks serve as a living trellis for climbing bean vines, eliminating the need for separate trellising. Plant beans after corn reaches ~6 inches so vines don't outpace the support."},{"slug":"winter-squash","mechanism":"shade_provider","strength":"moderate","description":"Tall corn provides afternoon shade to young squash vines, reducing transplant shock and heat stress in high-sun regions; especially valuable in arid and continental climates."},{"slug":"bush-bean","mechanism":"shade_provider","strength":"moderate","description":"Tall corn provides afternoon shade to bush beans, reducing heat stress and improving pod set in arid and continental summers."},{"slug":"cucumber","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Cucumber vines crawl through corn rows, shading soil and suppressing weeds at the bed level. Don't combine with squash in the same row — only one ground-layer crop per bed."},{"slug":"crimson-clover","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Crimson clover preceding heavy-feeding sweet corn supplies 70-130 lb N/acre when terminated at full bloom. Standard rotation in organic systems."},{"slug":"red-clover","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Red clover preceding or interseeded with corn fixes substantial nitrogen; longer-lived than crimson clover, fits multi-year rotation."},{"slug":"white-clover","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"White clover living mulch suppresses weeds between corn rows and fixes some nitrogen. Mow before corn pollinates to avoid competition."},{"slug":"hairy-vetch","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Hairy vetch winter cover fixes 100-150 lb N/acre for heavy-feeding sweet corn; rolled or tilled before planting. One of the most cost-effective N sources in organic systems."},{"slug":"field-pea","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Field pea cover crop terminated in spring supplies nitrogen for heavy-feeding sweet corn; tolerates colder soil at sowing than hairy vetch."},{"slug":"common-vetch","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"moderate","description":"Common vetch (Vicia sativa) winter cover fixes nitrogen for spring corn; less cold-hardy than hairy vetch but easier to terminate."},{"slug":"cowpea-cover","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cover crop fixes nitrogen rapidly in summer heat; well-suited to southern double-cropping with sweet corn."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"yardlong-bean-asparagus","commonName":"Asparagus Yardlong Bean","scientificName":"Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":75,"max":90},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-28","notes":"Trellis 6 to 8 feet; pick every 2 to 3 days when pods are 14 to 18 inches and pencil-thin., Green-podded yardlong; SE Asian stir-fry staple; tolerates heat and humidity that overwhelms common green beans. Pods pair well with fermented shrimp paste.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"cantaloupe","commonName":"Cantaloupe","scientificName":"Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis","category":"fruit","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":75,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-28","notes":"Slip — fruit detaches easily — signals ripeness., Marginal in maritime climate — cool nights stall fruit set. Choose short-season varieties (Minnesota Midget, Hales Best Jumbo) and use black plastic + low tunnels.","companions":[{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as squash, nasturtium decoys cucumber beetle (vector of bacterial wilt) and squash bug away from cantaloupe."},{"slug":"borage","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Borage draws bumblebees and honeybees to cantaloupe flowers; improves fruit set in cool short-season climates."},{"slug":"marigold","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Marigold nematode suppression around cantaloupe vines reduces yield losses on infested ground; particularly valuable in repeatedly-cropped melon beds."},{"slug":"phacelia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Lacy phacelia is among the top bee-attracting plants known; massively increases honey-bee and bumblebee visitation to cantaloupe flowers and improves fruit set."},{"slug":"sunflower","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower draws bees and native pollinators that improve cantaloupe fruit set; can also serve as a windbreak for sprawling melon rows."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"edamame","commonName":"Edamame","scientificName":"Glycine max","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":75,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-28","notes":"Harvest pods when full and bright green; window is brief., Short-season varieties (Beer Friend, Envy, Butterbean); harvest at full plump pods before turning yellow.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-mancan","commonName":"Mancan Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum esculentum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-24","daysToHarvest":{"min":75,"max":95},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-07-28","notes":"Canadian-bred large-seeded buckwheat; standard variety in northern grain rotations., Mancan is a Canadian-bred buckwheat (Manitoba Agriculture, 1974) with large dark seeds and high yields. Widely used in North American buckwheat groat and flour production. Tolerant of cool seasons in northern Plains.","companions":[{"slug":"watermelon-charleston-gray","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Buckwheat sown in strips between watermelon rows; abundant pale-white flowers attract honeybees and bumblebees during the critical mid-summer watermelon flowering window."},{"slug":"strawberry-allstar","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Plant buckwheat Mancan between strawberry rows in renovation year. Mobilizes phosphorus, smothers weeds in 30 days, and flowers feed pollinators for early bloom."},{"slug":"strawberry-seascape","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Sow buckwheat Mancan as quick summer break between Seascape strawberry plantings. Phosphorus mobilization and weed smothering set up better fall transplant establishment."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"acorn-squash","commonName":"Acorn Squash","scientificName":"Cucurbita pepo","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Eat within 2 months of harvest; flavor declines in long storage.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"honeydew","commonName":"Honeydew Melon","scientificName":"Cucumis melo var. inodorus","category":"fruit","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":110},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Doesn't slip — pick when blossom end softens slightly and skin develops a creamy color., Marginal — choose Earlidew or other 75-day types under low tunnels with black plastic mulch.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"yardlong-bean-red-noodle","commonName":"Red Noodle Yardlong Bean","scientificName":"Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":95},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Trellis to 8 feet; pods grow 18 to 22 inches; deep wine red color holds when cooked., Striking deep burgundy 18-inch pods; tender when picked young at 12 to 16 inches. Stir-fry standby in Sichuan dry-fried green beans.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-tatariski","commonName":"Tatariski Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum tataricum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Tartary buckwheat, Tartary buckwheat with bitter flavor, high rutin content. Cold tolerant.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"buckwheat-tempest","commonName":"Tempest Tartary Buckwheat","scientificName":"Fagopyrum tataricum","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-24","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Tartary buckwheat, Tartary buckwheat selection with improved threshing and yield.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"yellow-mottled-lima","commonName":"Yellow Mottled Lima","scientificName":"Phaseolus lunatus","category":"legume","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-04-05","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":80,"max":100},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-02","notes":"Heat-tolerant pole lima; vines climb 8 ft; harvest dry beans for storage., Native Seeds SEARCH heirloom from Sonora; medium yellow-tan seeds with russet mottling; rich buttery flavor; tolerates Arizona summer heat better than most limas.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"winter-squash","commonName":"Winter Squash","scientificName":"Cucurbita maxima","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-22","windowEnd":"2026-06-07","daysToHarvest":{"min":85,"max":120},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-07","notes":"Long season — sow promptly after last frost, Cure 1-2 weeks at 80°F after harvest for storage. Includes Hubbard, kabocha, banana, buttercup., Short-season varieties only (Delicata, Sweet Dumpling, Buttercup, Red Kuri) — under 100 days. Cure outdoors in late summer sun before storage.","companions":[{"slug":"sweet-corn","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"strong","description":"Sprawling squash vines and large leaves shade the soil at the base of the corn, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. The third sister's job is the ground layer."},{"slug":"pole-bean","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"strong","description":"Squash leaves shade the base of bean plants and conserve moisture; spiny varieties (Hubbard, Buttercup) also help deter raccoons and other corn-bed raiders."},{"slug":"nasturtium","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Nasturtium attracts squash bugs and cucumber beetles away from squash vines; plant at the ends of squash rows for trap interception."},{"slug":"phacelia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber — phacelia draws bees to squash flowers, increasing female-flower fruit set rates."},{"slug":"anise-hyssop","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a top-tier bee magnet; improves squash pollination and supports beneficial-insect habitat."},{"slug":"echinacea","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber — echinacea supports pollinators near squash beds through a long blooming window."},{"slug":"milkweed-common","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Native common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) supports monarch butterflies, native bees, and beneficial wasps near squash. Plant in bed corners; sap is toxic so site away from where children harvest."},{"slug":"borage","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Borage massively increases bee visitation to squash flowers, improving female-flower fruit set rates. Reputed to deter squash bug; folklore-only on that point."},{"slug":"dill","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Dill umbel flowers attract parasitic wasps and hoverflies that prey on squash bug nymphs and aphids; let dill bolt for sustained beneficial-insect support."},{"slug":"radish","mechanism":"trap_crop","strength":"moderate","description":"Radish attracts squash vine borer and cucumber beetle away from squash plants; let some radishes flower to sustain trap activity through squash vining."},{"slug":"marigold","mechanism":"pest_repellent","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, marigold root chemistry suppresses root-knot nematodes around winter squash. Bonus aphid and whitefly deterrence above ground."},{"slug":"sunflower","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Sunflower's large composite flowers attract diverse native and managed pollinators; winter squash benefits from increased bee visitation to female flowers."},{"slug":"bee-balm","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, bee balm draws native bees that improve squash flower fruit set."},{"slug":"zinnia","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Zinnia draws bumblebees that improve squash female-flower fruit set; bonus visual screen for sprawling squash beds."},{"slug":"buckwheat","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"strong","description":"Same mechanism as cucumber, buckwheat draws bees that improve squash female-flower fruit set; quick-bloom annual fits the squash vining season."},{"slug":"winter-rye","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Winter rye terminated in spring forms a weed-suppressing mulch for squash transplants; rye allelopathy reduces small-seeded weed germination during establishment."},{"slug":"cilantro","mechanism":"pollinator_attractor","strength":"moderate","description":"Bolted cilantro attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on squash bug nymphs and aphids."},{"slug":"sunn-hemp","mechanism":"nitrogen_fixing","strength":"strong","description":"Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) summer cover fixes nitrogen in tropical and subtropical conditions; precedes fall-transplanted winter squash in long-season climates."}],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"desert-melon-amargoso","commonName":"Amargoso Desert Melon","scientificName":"Cucumis melo","category":"fruit","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":90,"max":110},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-12","notes":"Plant in dry-farmed Tohono Oodham field after first summer monsoon rains., Tohono Oodham heirloom melon; greenish-yellow flesh with mild sweet flavor when fully ripe; dry-farmed in Sonoran fields with monsoon rains. Slow Food Ark of Taste.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"sorghum-black-amber-cane","commonName":"Black Amber Cane Sorghum","scientificName":"Sorghum bicolor","category":"vegetable","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":90,"max":110},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-12","notes":"Sorghum cane for sorghum syrup production; sow after frost., Black Amber is a sweet cane sorghum traditional in southern Appalachia for sorghum-molasses syrup production. Short maturity (90 to 100 days), heavy juice content, black-purple seed. Crushed and boiled to make syrup.","companions":[],"antagonists":[]},{"slug":"amaranth-burgundy","commonName":"Burgundy Amaranth","scientificName":"Amaranthus hypochondriacus","category":"grain","action":"direct_sow","windowStart":"2026-03-29","windowEnd":"2026-05-14","daysToHarvest":{"min":90,"max":120},"expectedHarvestEarliest":"2026-08-12","notes":"Warm-season grain amaranth; sow after soil warms to 65F. Plant 6 to 8 ft tall., Burgundy is a Rodale-introduced grain amaranth selection (1970s) with deep burgundy foliage, dark red seed heads, and pale tan grain. Striking ornamental dual-purpose plant. 6 to 8 ft tall, sets seed in mid-Atlantic and Midwest summers.","companions":[{"slug":"corn-sweet-silver-queen","mechanism":"space_efficiency","strength":"moderate","description":"Tall grain amaranth grown at row ends of sweet corn; uses field margins for grain harvest while corn fills the bed. Mesoamerican traditional intercrop."},{"slug":"bean-dry-tepary","mechanism":"ground_cover","strength":"moderate","description":"Sonoran traditional intercrop: heat-adapted tepary bean shades soil for amaranth seedlings; amaranth deep taproot mines minerals beans deposit through Rhizobium nodules."}],"antagonists":[]}]}