© Stacey Murphy, 2016

Welcome!

This workbook is intended as a companion tool to the How to Grow $400 Worth of
Vegetables in 40 Days online course. While this workbook contains exercises that will help
you plan and cultivate your vegetable, herb and flower garden, the videos explain how to do
the exercises most effectively.

Historically, students who do the recommended exercises see the most success in their
garden planning and cultivating. That’s because these exercises are designed to focus your
energies on the things that get the fastest results.

Keep in mind that not every exercise is going to be applicable to your situation. It’s also
possible that if you’re just getting started with your first or second garden season, you may
not know how to complete every exercise right away. Do the best you can. Action is more
important than perfection. Garden wisdom unfolds with time and engagement. Stick with it!

There is no wrong way to use these worksheets and templates. Every garden is a bit unique
and you may need to adjust templates for your personal use. Use the Facebook group and
the LIVE calls to get support and see how others are using the templates.

I encourage you to do all the exercises… especially the ones that seem difficult. Instead of
avoiding the biggest challenges, dive into them so you can get some support from your
classmates and me.

You may find, too, that the exercises that look “simple” might force you to make some
unexpectedly hard decisions about your garden. Treat each exercise as another clue to solve
your garden puzzle and you will get so much value out of this workbook.

Remember: when you get stuck, write down your questions. Sometimes being able to clearly
ask the question helps you solve the issue yourself. And if not, your question is ready to
submit to our LIVE Q&A calls or Facebook group.

You may feel overwhelmed the first time you so all these exercises. If
that happens, focus on your top priorities and get some support.
Sometimes during the growing season, things can feel like the are
happening really fast. That’s totally normal.

Remember, I’m not only here to help you grow lots of vegetables, I’m
ALSO here to help you manage your time and energy in the garden. If
you’re feeling overwhelmed in your garden or with the class, please
reach out for some support. That’s why we’re here together.

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

Why 40 Days?
My intention with this challenge is to help you find some fast successes in your garden, to walk
you through one growing cycle.

I encourage you to enjoy some friendly competition with your classmates. I also encourage you
to support your fellow classmates. We all want to get the most out of our gardens and if you can
help someone… that’s a win-win.

I want you to whole-heartedly commit to doing this. If I asked you to commit for 90 days, you
could grow more varieties of vegetables, but you might also lose focus.

If you can successfully grow food for 40 days, you can replicate this multiple times during a
growing season. It breaks the season into manageable chunks.

How many days does it take for you to form a habit? This varies from person to person. It might
as little as two weeks and might be as much as six weeks. There’s only a limited number of food
growing options at two weeks, so we’re going for six weeks.

My intention is that you have the tools at the end of 40 days to keep going and plan your entire
growing season.

Coming Soon…
The 40-Day Challenge!

Imagine a lush garden 40 days from now and a table full of

fresh, organic vegetables and herbs.

Keep that image in your mind as you move through some

of the more challenging parts of setting up your garden.

I promise, the hard work is the set-up. It gets so much

easier with time.

Peace & carrots! - Stacey

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Week 0
CHECKLIST

Week 0 (pre-challenge)
This is a big TAKE ACTION week and might be most the work you do for
the entire challenge. Don’t be afraid, you can do it! Week 0 is about 40% of
your overall work in the challenge.
If you’re new to gardening, this week may include some heavy lifting. Once
you’re set up right, however, there will be little to do in the garden. Your timer
on your challenge doesn’t begin until you’re ready to plant your garden, that’s
why this is called Week 0.
NOTE: Week 0 might take you 2 weeks if you want to keep the number of
hours you spend each week to less than 2. Take your time if you need to…
With that said, crush this pre-challenge as quickly as you can. There’s so
much learning once you dig in and start planting!

Week 0 Checklist:
Verify expected daytime local temperatures 50-90º Fahrenheit
Verify expected nighttime local temperatures above 40º Fahrenheit
Verify your planting beds get required 6-8 hours sunlight
Check local expected rainfall for reference (plan to water if needed)
Identify what growing media you are using and any amendments
Take stock of all your resources and purchase only what you need
Build your planting beds
Set up indoor grow lamps (optional)
Watch Week 0 and Week 1 Videos to prepare for the journey

Notes / Errands :

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 1

IMPORTANT:
Typically, I like to take students on a journey, and I like to slowly release each weekly
module so that you learn and digest one part of the course before skipping to the
next. Because this class is only 4 Modules, I have decided to give it to you all at
once.

YOU are responsible for pacing yourself through this class.

There are different learning styles, so you might participate in this class in different
ways:

1 Fast-trackers -  binge watch the whole class and then get started growing.
Maybe you revisit videos as questions arise.

2 You only have ONE hour each week - Each module is approximately one hour
long. Watch the modules over the course of 4 weeks during your dedicated time
and then start growing in your fifth week. If you plan well, the gardening
shouldn't take you more than an hour a week.

3 Step-by-Step - Give yourself some time to digest each module and take the
action steps in that module before moving onto the next one.

You know yourself better than anyone. Work at your own pace.
You can never be behind. You are exactly where you are. No need to put any
additional pressure on yourself if you see others moving rapidly through the course.
Follow your own path.

The only WRONG way to take this class is to watch all the
videos and not plant something. 😉

I’m happy you’re here and I’ll be even happier when you send
me photos of your successful garden or indoor growing area. It
doesn't matter if you're growing shoots indoors on your shelves
or you're growing 30 varieties of greens outside in several
hundred square feet... just grow something that you can eat!

You can do it!

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 2

Your Garden Vision

What are your goals for this challenge? $100 in 40 Days? $200 in 40
Days? $400 in 90 Days? $400 in 40 Days? How would that feel?

What would you have to commit to so you could incorporate growing

food into your lifestyle? Who would you need to be? And what do you
need to make it happen?

One of the biggest keys to a successful garden is mindset. Can you

commit to daily or weekly actions towards your bigger goal? Who can
you share this journey with that can help you stay committed (an
accountability buddy), and what does their support need to look like?

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 2

Can You Commit for 40 Days?

You’re excited to get started. That’s awesome! Can you keep up your
excitement for 40 days? Here are some keys to help you stay on
track, especially when you face a challenge. Check each box below to
show your commitment:

Be Real! - Know where you are now and set a realistic goal
Be aware of all your commitments & make this a priority
Commit to daily / weekly garden habits, let go of perfection
Take a moment to organize resources and start strong
Take a moment to ensure temperatures will be advantageous
Commit to watering for now (you can automate later)
Be open to choosing crops that may alter your diet
Write things down! - Once a week is plenty
Have fun and enjoy some friendly competition!
Post your progress to group: celebrations AND lessons learned…
Plus who’s your accountability buddy and who can you ask for help?

Which commitments are hardest to make and why?

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 3

Finding the Right Space

Does your space have what it takes? Check each of these 5 factors
for your garden space to make your growing easier.

6-8 hours of sunlight or more

55-85ºF (13-29ºC) or choose appropriate crops
Dedicated space to grow vegetables
Your garden is in your daily line of sight
1-2” water each week (you most likely need to water)

Which 2 factors are most challenging?

How can you address those challenges now?

NOTE: You probably want to wait until your temperatures reach

ideal temperatures to start your challenge so you can maximize
your growing. Set yourself up for success. I know it can be hard to
wait, but things grow half-speed when they are cold. If you have
experience growing, you can use season extension methods like cold
frames or low tunnels, but they are beyond the scope of this class.

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1 Unit 4

Draw Your Site &

Map Existing Shadows

STEP 1: Draw your site to scale. STEP 2: Color the shadows on your site
throughout the day to calculate how many hours of sunlight you receive
each day. Your vegetables need 6-8 hours of sunlight to thrive. Watch Unit
3 to see a video example of this process.
© Stacey Murphy, 2017
 Module 1 Unit 4

Draw Your Site (Sample)

Map Existing Shadows

STEP 1: Draw your site to scale. STEP 2: Color the shadows on your site
throughout the day to calculate how many hours of sunlight you receive
each day. Your vegetables need 6-8 hours of sunlight to thrive. Watch Unit
3 to see a video example of this process.
© Stacey Murphy, 2017
 5Module 1, Unit 5

Gathering Your Materials

What is YOUR growing medium? What materials do you have on hand
and which will you need to source to set up your planting beds?

HOW MUCH? SOIL MEDIUM

Building Materials
Topsoil
Compost
Worm Castings (optional)
Rock dust, Rock sand, Azomite (optional)

CONTAINERS
Containers or Building Materials
Bleach or Vinegar for Sterilization
Potting Mix or Seed Starting Mix
Compost (depending on mix)
Worm Castings (optional)
Wondering what tools you need? I recommend borrowing tools
whenever possible. It’s okay if they are old and rusty. A good sturdy
table knife can do the work of a trowel if you have no tools on hand.
A shovel and a digging fork are useful but you only use them a
couple times. Scissors are perfect for harvest time.

NOTES, Observations, Questions:

Sample Calculations: 8’x4’ planting bed = 32 square feet

32 square feet x 10” topsoil x 1 foot / 12 inches = 26.7 cubic feet >> ~1 cubic yard
32 cubic feet x 2” topsoil x 1 foot / 12 inches = 5.33 cubic feet

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 6

Shopping List for Example in Videos

If you want to recreate exactly what you see in the videos and you are
starting from scratch, here’s what you’ll need:

EACH SOIL PLANTING BED @ 36” x 72”

(6 pieces) 6-Foot 1x6 untreated lumber + (6) 2x2 stakes @ 24” tall
(NOTE 2x12 cedar boards are preferred. Costs will vary with durability.)
2” long Stainless steel or galvanized screws
Topsoil - 13.33 cubic feet (0.4 cubic meters)
Compost - 4 cubic feet (0.1 cubic meters)
Worm Castings (optional) ~ 2 cups (0.5 liters)
Rock dust, Rock sand, Azomite (optional) - 4 tablespoons (15 ml)
NOTE: Multiply everything by 2 if you are building 2 planting beds.

SPROUTS & SEED TRAYS

2-Foot Grow Lamp - Full Spectrum Fluorescent**
2-Foot Grow Lamp - Blue Spectrum LED**
Trays - 9”x18” and 18”x18” (use whatever trays you find that fit under your lamp)
Seed Starting Mix - 0.25 cubic feet (Potting Mix can possibly work: see video)
Worm Castings (optional) - 2 teaspoons each tray

TOOLS
Saw (Optional - You can have store saw 2 of your boards in half for the 3’ sides)
Drill (to build planting boxes)
Hand Trowel
Scissors
Hose & Wand or Watering Can
Spray Bottle (Nice to have, not necessary)
72”
36”
24”

NOTES, Observations, Questions:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 6

Inexpensive Wooden Garden Box

(6 pieces) 6-Foot 1x6 untreated lumber + (6) 2x2 stakes @ 24” tall Have store
(40) 2” long Stainless steel or galvanized screws saw in half
5
Two screws at
each connection 3

Have store 4
saw in half 6

1 6’
72”
36”
3’
2’
24”
2
You can use nails if it’s easier to build

6 4

1 6’
72”
36”
3’
2’
24”
2
NOTE: You probably want to
build this upside down: top is
Drive
flush (flat, and bottom has
stakes
stakes extending out
into earth

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 7

Preparing Your INDOOR Grow Space

If it’s cold outside or you have no outdoor space, you’ll be shocked at
how many greens, shoots and herbs you can grow indoors.

For optimal indoor growing:

1. Use grow lamps unless you ONLY plan to grow shoots
2. 75º Fahrenheit (24º Celsius) is ideal, keep within 60-90ºF(16-32ºC)
3. Place trays in your daily path so you notice how plants are doing
4. Ensure water can drain from trays without damaging furniture
5. Use GFCI outlets for grow lamps and protect from water damage
6. Have full water bottle next to trays at all times for easy watering
7. For high humidity conditions, ensure lots of ventilation
8. Ensure you can vary the height between the plants and lights.
NOTE: Grow lamps NOT necessarily needed for growing sprouts, just
seed starts. I used grow lamps for my shoots, because I like them
green versus blanched.
If you have space for a 4-foot fluorescent shop lamp, it works just as
well for less money than the full spectrum and LED lights. I used 2-foot
lamps because I had small shelves.

Notes, Errands, Challenges:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Week 1
CHECKLIST

Week 1
Get those seeds and transplants in the soil! Perhaps start some
seeds indoors if you have the right set up. Watch Week 2 videos so you
know how to water and observe your crops this first week. Week 1
represents about 40% of the work of the challenge. While that’s a big
chunk, you may find it more pleasurable than the heavy lifting you did in
Week 0!
When you complete this week’s work, you have completed 80% of the
work! You are well on your way to fresh harvested food.
NOTE: The start date of your challenge should be the first day you seed
or transplant. You may want to watch all the videos for the entire
challenge first and then start taking action.

Week 1 Checklist:
Choose your crops based on your temperatures
Design your planting bed layout - where will you plant everything?
Transplant and seed all your crops
Set a ritual of being near all your crops for at least 5 minutes a day
Start seeds indoors for future seedlings and / or salad / braising greens
Watch Week 2 Videos to prepare & set your watering routine

Notes / Errands :

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

Choosing Your Crops

NOTE: I know what it’s like to be excited about growing food you
LOVE to eat. BUT… Sometimes WHAT you grow may be determined
by what is available, what the current temperatures are, and how much
space you have. If you’re a beginner, set yourself up for easy success.
These are not the last crops you will ever grow. And you may find new
crops to LOVE. Over the years, celery has become my favorite crop to
grow and eat… my garden changed my diet! Be adventurous, there are
plenty of great recipes out there!

What crops will you focus on for your first 40 days and why?

What crops will you focus on BEYOND your first 40 days and why?

What challenges do you face when choosing appropriate crops?

Checklist for buying transplants:

No / minimal flowers on the transplant?
Do the leaves have good color / vigor?
Is the growing medium moist?
How do roots look?
Evidence of pests / diseases?

REMEMBER: Check your local TYPICAL temperatures for the

next 40 days? Choose your crops appropriately.
© Stacey Murphy, 2017
 Module 2, Unit 1

U.S. Seed Sources

For those of you in other countries around the world, please post your best
seed sources in our Facebook group so others can benefit. And if you
know of another good seed source in the U.S. not listed, please share!
Johnny's Selected Seeds, www.johnnyseeds.com
W. Atlee Burpee & Co., www.burpee.com
The Cooks Garden, www.cooksgarden.com
Park Seed Company, www.parkseed.com
Taylor's Seeds, www.taylorseedfarm.com
Seeds from Italy, GrowItalian.com (Seeds from Italy)
Nichols Garden Nursery, www.nicholsgardennursery.com
Fedco, www.fedcoseeds.com (includes Asian varieties)
High Mowing Seeds, www.highmowingseeds.com
Pinetree Garden Seeds, wwwlsuperseeds.com
Seeds of India, www.seedsofindia.com Hindi
Seed Savers Exchange, www.seedsaversexchange.org
AgroHaitai Ltd. www.agrohaitai.com Asian varieties (Canada)
Kitazawa Seed Co. www.kitazawaseed.com Asian varieties
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, www.southernexposure.com
Willhite Seed Company, http://www.willhiteseed.com (Texas varieties)
EverGreen Seeds, www.evergreenseeds.com (strictly Asian, wide selection)
Renee’s Garden Seeds, www.reneesgarden.com (European varieties available)
Abundant Life Seeds, www.abundantlifeseeds.com (some Latino & Central American)
Seeds of Change, www.seedsofchange.com (southwest & Mexican varieties available)
Gourmet Seeds, http://www.gourmetseed.com (European, Asian, some Latino varieties)
Native Seeds, www.nativeseed.org (Native American, Mexican, & Central American native vegetables)
B + T World Seeds www.b-and-t-worldseeeds.com (France) African, Asian, Hindi, South American seeds
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, www.rareseeds.com some Asian, Latino, & Eastern European varieties
Harris Seeds www.harrisseeds.com Asian greens, European greens, Hispanic/Latino peppers
Hudson Valley Seed Library http://hudsonvalleyseed.com
Seeds for Generations http://seedsforgenerations.com
Roughwood Seed Collection http://roughwoodseeds.org
Stokes Seeds www.stokeseeds.com
Sow True Seed https://sowtrueseed.com
Seedway www.seedway.com
Rupp Seeds www.ruppseeds.com
Totally Tomatoes www.totallytomato.com

REMEMBER: There are currently only a couple GMO seeds to be

aware of with U.S. vegetable & herb seed manufacturers. Steer clear
of Yellow Straghtneck Squash, Yellow Crookneck Squash, Green
Zucchini by Seminis (Monsanto brand) if you are avoiding GMOs.

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

Yes! Companion Planting

The good news: there are just a few garden edibles that make “bad
neighbors”. Fennel (not listed) is generally recommended to ONLY plant
in herb gardens. Notice that onions, potatoes, peas and beans show up
most often as bad companions, so when planting those crops… pay
attention to companions. Otherwise, plant anything together!

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

Yes! Companion Planting

All herbs and many flowers have medicinal qualities that can improve
your health. The same way it’s good to EAT vegetables with herbs, it’s
best to GROW vegetables with herbs because herbs create beneficial
insect habitat. If you can plant ~30% herbs and flowers in your garden
beds, you will significantly reduce pest issues. This is generally harder
to do at cooler temperatures as many herbs and flowers like warm
temperatures, but at cooler temperatures, pest populations are lower.

Herb Companions:
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
• Basil, sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
• Basil, Holy (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
• Basil, lemon (Ocimum × citriodorum)
• Basil, Thai (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
• Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis)
• Caper (Capparis spinosa)
• Caraway (Carum carvi)
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum and others)
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum)
• Celery leaf (Apiumi graveolens)
• Celery seed (Apiumi graveolens)
• Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
• Cilantro, coriander greens, coriander herb
• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum)
• Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
• Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)
• Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum)
• Dill
• Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
• Galangal, greater
• Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)
• Ginger
• Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
• Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus and others)
• Licorice, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Mint (Mentha), 25 species, hundreds of varieties
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare, and other species)
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
• Pepper, black, white, and green
• Peppermint (Mentha piperata)
• Peppermint gum leaf
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Saffron (Crocus sativus)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Savory, summer (Satureja hortensis)
• Savory, winter (Satureja montana)
• Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
• Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
• Star anise (Illicium verum)
• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Thyme, lemon (Thymus × citriodorus)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
• Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
• Wormwood, absinthe (Artemisia absinthium)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Flower Companions: • Larkspur

• Alyssum • Marigold
• Borage • Nasturtium
• Bee balm • Pansy
• Calendula • Sunflower
• Echinacea • Tansy
• Scented Geranium • Zinnia

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 1 of 3
Seed Variety Log (Recommended)
Seed Variety & Manu. Organic? Hybrid? Low Temp High Temp Grows in Grocery Market
(F) (F) Your Price Price
Region?
Radish - Sora (Johnny's) Y 15
Turnip - Hakurei (Johnny's) Y 15
Turnip - Oasis (FedCo) Y 15
Carrot - Nectar (Johnny's) Y 30
Carrot - Nelson (Johnny's) Y 30
Beet - Merlin (Johnny's) Y Y 20
Beet - Babybeat (Johnny's) 20
Arugula (Johnny's) Y
Lettuce Mix - Allstar (Johnny's) 25
Lettuce Mix - Elegance (Johnny's) 25
Joi Choi (Johnny's) Y
Cabbage - Tiara (Johnny's) Y 15
Epazote (Johnny's) Y
Red Veined Sorrel (Johnny's)
Holy Basil (Johnny's) 40
Pyrethrum (Johnny's)
Cucumber - Double Yield (SFG)
Tomato - Sun Gold (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Green Zebra (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Early Girl (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Brandywine (SFG) 50
Eggplant - Orient Express 50
Early Jalapeno (Johnny's) 50
Pepper - Nardello (SFG) 50
Chard - Rainbow (SFG) 20
Spinach - Malabar 50
Spinach 15
Kale - Red Russion (SFG) 15
Kale - Lacinato (SFG) 15
Collards - Champion (SFG) 15
Celery
Squash/Gourd - Trombonchino 50
(Baby) Leek - King Rich(Johnny's) 10
Bunching Onion - He Shi Ko 10
Purplette Onion (small) (Johnny's) 10
Garlic - farmers market --
Bean Bush - Blue Lake (SFG)
Bean Pole - Red Noodle Bean (Johnny's)
Pea - Sugar Snap (SFG) 30
Zinnia
Sunflower

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 1 of 3
Seed Variety Log (Sample)
Seed Variety & Manu. Organic? Hybrid? Low Temp High Temp Grows in Grocery Market
(F) (F) Your Price Price
Region?
Radish - Sora (Johnny's) Y 15
Turnip - Hakurei (Johnny's) Y 15
Turnip - Oasis (FedCo) Y 15
Carrot - Nectar (Johnny's) Y 30
Carrot - Nelson (Johnny's) Y 30
Beet - Merlin (Johnny's) Y Y 20
Beet - Babybeat (Johnny's) 20
Arugula (Johnny's) Y
Lettuce Mix - Allstar (Johnny's) 25
Lettuce Mix - Elegance (Johnny's) 25
Joi Choi (Johnny's) Y
Cabbage - Tiara (Johnny's) Y 15
Epazote (Johnny's) Y
Red Veined Sorrel (Johnny's)
Holy Basil (Johnny's) 40
Pyrethrum (Johnny's)
Cucumber - Double Yield (SFG)
Tomato - Sun Gold (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Green Zebra (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Early Girl (Johnny's) 50
Tomato - Brandywine (SFG) 50
Eggplant - Orient Express 50
Early Jalapeno (Johnny's) 50
Pepper - Nardello (SFG) 50
Chard - Rainbow (SFG) 20
Spinach - Malabar 50
Spinach 15
Kale - Red Russion (SFG) 15
Kale - Lacinato (SFG) 15
Collards - Champion (SFG) 15
Celery
Squash/Gourd - Trombonchino 50
(Baby) Leek - King Rich(Johnny's) 10
Bunching Onion - He Shi Ko 10
Purplette Onion (small) (Johnny's) 10
Garlic - farmers market --
Bean Bush - Blue Lake (SFG)
Bean Pole - Red Noodle Bean (Johnny's)
Pea - Sugar Snap (SFG) 30
Zinnia
Sunflower

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 2 of 3
Seed Variety Log (Sample)
Seed Variety & Manu. Ease of Ease of Days to Single or Ideal Daytime Ideal Plant Spacing
Growin Harvest Maturity Multiple Germination Daytime after thinning
g (1-10) (1-10) Harvest Temp (F) Planting (inches)
Temp (F)
Radish - Sora (Johnny's) 9 10 22 1 70 45 1
Turnip - Hakurei (Johnny's) 10 10 38 1 75 50 2
Turnip - Oasis (FedCo) 10 10 50 1 75 50 2
Carrot - Nectar (Johnny's) 8 10 72 1 75 45 1
Carrot - Nelson (Johnny's) 8 10 56 1 75 45 1
Beet - Merlin (Johnny's) 10 10 48 1 75 45 3-4
Beet - Babybeat (Johnny's) 10 10 40 1 75 45 3-4
Arugula (Johnny's) 10 8 21 3 75 45 BC
Lettuce Mix - Allstar (Johnny's) 10 8 21 3 75 45 BC
Lettuce Mix - Elegance (Johnny's) 10 8 21 3 75 45 BC
Joi Choi (Johnny's) 8 10 50 1 75 45 4
Cabbage - Tiara (Johnny's) 10 10 63 1 75 45 12
Epazote (Johnny's) 10 55 many 75
Red Veined Sorrel (Johnny's) 10 8 40 many 75
Holy Basil (Johnny's) 10 10 30 many 75 45 6
Pyrethrum (Johnny's) -- many 75
Cucumber - Double Yield (SFG) 10 8 55 7-12 wks 75 65 12
Tomato - Sun Gold (Johnny's) 8 3 57 many 75 50 12
Tomato - Green Zebra (Johnny's) 8 8 72 many 75 50 12
Tomato - Early Girl (Johnny's) 8 10 55 many 75 50 12
Tomato - Brandywine (SFG) 8 10 90 many 75 50 12
Eggplant - Orient Express 10 8 58 many 75 50 18
Early Jalapeno (Johnny's) 10 10 60 many 75 50 12
Pepper - Nardello (SFG) 10 8 70 many 75 50 12
Chard - Rainbow (SFG) 10 10 28 many 75 45 6
Spinach - Malabar 10 many 75 4
Spinach 8 39 3 75 45 BC
Kale - Red Russion (SFG) 10 10 30 many 75 45 12
Kale - Lacinato (SFG) 10 10 30 many 75 45 12
Collards - Champion (SFG) 10 10 30 many 75 45 12
Celery 10 10 60 depends 65 45 6
Squash/Gourd - Trombonchino 8 10 many 75 65 12
(Baby) Leek - King Rich(Johnny's) 10 10 60 1 75 45 2
Bunching Onion - He Shi Ko 10 10 60 75 45 3
Purplette Onion (small) (Johnny's) 10 10 60 1 75 45 2
Garlic - farmers market 10 10 1 75 -- 4
Bean Bush - Blue Lake (SFG) 10 3 60 3 wks 75 50 6
Bean Pole - Red Noodle Bean 10 5 85 many 75 50 6
(Johnny's)
Pea - Sugar Snap (SFG) 10 3 50 depends 70 40 3
Zinnia 4-6
Sunflower 6

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 3 of 3
Seed Variety Log (Sample)
Seed Variety & Manu. Expected Actual Prone to Prone Reseed Benefits Drawbacks
Yield per Yield per Disease? to s Itself?
Plant (lb)* Plant Pests?
Radish - Sora (Johnny's) 0.08 N N N quick, crisp, can bolt quickly in
Turnip - Hakurei 0.25 N N N sweet taste prone toheat
roly poly
(Johnny's)
Turnip - Oasis (FedCo) 0.25 N N N sweet taste prone damage
to roly poly
Carrot - Nectar (Johnny's) 0.1 N N N damage
at least a week to
Carrot - Nelson (Johnny's) 0.1 N N N germinate
at least a week to
Beet - Merlin (Johnny's) 0.2 N N N germinate
Beet - Babybeat 0.2 N N N fastest beet
(Johnny's)
Arugula (Johnny's) N N N perfect spice
Lettuce Mix - Allstar N N N
(Johnny's)
Lettuce Mix - Elegance N N N
(Johnny's)
Joi Choi (Johnny's) 1 N flea N thick stem, tall prone to flea
Cabbage - Tiara 2 N N N tight forming, beetle
(Johnny's)
Epazote (Johnny's) N N
Red Veined Sorrel N N splits perennial,
(Johnny's)
Holy Basil (Johnny's) N N Y
Pyrethrum (Johnny's) N N
Cucumber - Double Yield 10 Y cuke N large yield prone to disease,
(SFG) - Sun Gold
Tomato 8 Y N Y crowd pleaser, big trellis
tomatoes take
(Johnny's)
Tomato - Green Zebra 8 Y N Y lots of medium work, but worth
tomatoes takeit!
(Johnny's)
Tomato - Early Girl 8 Y N Y fast maturing, work, but worth
tomatoes takeit!
(Johnny's)
Tomato - Brandywine 6 Y N Y crowd favorite, work, but worth
tomatoes takeit!
(SFG)
Eggplant - Orient Express 3 N N N hi yield work, but worth it!
Early Jalapeno (Johnny's) N N N
Pepper - Nardello (SFG) N N N sweet, small
Chard - Rainbow (SFG) 2.5 N N N
Spinach - Malabar N N N heat tolerant,
Spinach N N N bolts easily, does
Kale - Red Russion (SFG) 2 N N N not tolerate heat
Kale - Lacinato (SFG) 1.25 N N N crowd pleaser
Collards - Champion 2 N N N pest resistant
(SFG)
Celery N N N more flavorful
Squash/Gourd - Y N N than
peststorebought
resistant, big plant, prone to
Trombonchino
(Baby) Leek - King 1 N N N disease
Rich(Johnny's)
Bunching Onion - He Shi 0.1 N N peren perennial
Ko
Purplette Onion (small) 0.3 N N nial
N
(Johnny's)
Garlic - farmers market N N N
Bean Bush - Blue Lake 0.12 N N N hi yield need both hands
(SFG)
Bean Pole - Red Noodle N N N hi yield, nutty needto both
harvest
hands
Bean
Pea - (Johnny's)
Sugar Snap (SFG) 0.05 N N N crowd pleaser to harvest
need both hands
Zinnia 0.08 N N N quick, crisp, can to harvest
bolt quickly in
Sunflower 0.25 N N N sweet taste heat
prone to roly poly
damage

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 1 of 3
Seed Variety Log
Seed Variety & Manu. Organic? Hybrid? Low Temp High Temp Grows in Grocery Market
(F) (F) Your Price Price
Region?

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 2 of 3
Seed Variety Log
Seed Variety & Manu. Ease of Ease of Days to Single or Ideal Daytime Ideal Plant Spacing
Growin Harvest Maturity Multiple Germination Daytime after thinning
g (1-10) (1-10) Harvest Temp (F) Planting (inches)
Temp (F)

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 1

page 3 of 3
Seed Variety Log
Seed Variety & Manu. Expected Actual Prone to Prone Reseeds Benefits Drawbacks
Yield per Yield per Disease? to Itself?
Plant (lb)* Plant Pests?

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 2

Draw What You Will Plant

While these planting beds are gridded 4x8, scale them any way that
works for you. Shade out boxes to make the planting box the correct
proportions for your space.

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 2

Draw What You Will Plant (Sample)

Use whatever labeling / coloring ideas help you to visualize what
you will plant. Try to scale plants correctly so you know how much
space you have available… you might see extra space.

chard

kale

herbs
celery

cabbage
with spinach
beet row (32)
carrot row (96)
turnip row (48)
radish row (96)
Lettuce
heads arugula

Small
Indoor
Sprouting
(peas &
sunflowers
in trays)

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 4

Plant Spacings for Small Plots

These spacings can pack in the plants: Think about planting in
lines or in triangles, whatever makes sense to you. The crops in
green below are recommended for a 40-Day challenge. Other crops
will take too long to mature.

18” 12” 8”
Zucchini Kale Peppers
Summer Squash Collards
Brussel Sprouts Broccoli
Cabbage
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Eggplant

6” 4”
2” 1”
Celery Chard
Beets (3”) Radish
Mustards Spinach
Turnips Carrots
Lettuce Head
Onions Leeks
Pac Choi
Peas
Garlic
Beans
Herbs

Shoots Broadcast
Pea Braising Mixes
Sunflower Arugula

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 2, Unit 4

Calculating Seeds for Purchase

Root Vegetables Direct Seeded Outdoors: Purchase seeds in
bulk to save money. How many seeds do you need? It depends on
final spacing desired and planting extra to ensure good germination.
You get more food faster if you thin your sprouts than if you under-
seed and fill in gaps later (important for small gardens).

Direct Seeding Outdoors

Final # plants Planting Planting
Planting
Spacing Harvested / extra: extra: seeds
extra: seeds
desired 8 foot line seeds / /
/ foot
(inches) (desired) inch 8 foot line
Radish 1 96 2 24 192
Carrots 1 96 3 36 288
Turnips 2 192 2 24 192
Beets 3 288 2 24 192
Leeks 1 96 3 36 288
Bunching
6 per 3” 192 8 per 3” 32 256
Onions

Lettuces, Spinaches, Greens:

Grow a lush carpet of wall-to-wall greens: salad or braising greens.
Seeds per square foot = 12x12 = 144 seeds / sq ft minimum
Seeds per square foot = 250 recommended

Salad & Braising Greens (# seeds/oz varies by variety)

seeds seeds seeds / # ounces
# of sq ft
/ sq ft needed ounce needed
Lettuce Mix 250 1.5 375 30000 0.01
Spinach 100 6 600 2800 0.21
Arugula 250 6 1500 15000 0.10
Braising Mix 250 2 500 18000 0.03

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 4 Unit 5
GUIDELINES

Calculating Seeds (Metric)

Root Vegetables Direct Seeded Outdoors: Purchase seeds in
bulk to save money. How many seeds do you need? It depends on
final spacing desired and planting extra to ensure good germination.
You get more food faster if you thin your sprouts than if you under-
seed and fill in gaps later (important for small gardens).

Direct Seeding Outdoors

Final # plants Planting Planting
Planting
Spacing Harvested / extra: extra: seeds
extra: seeds
desired 3 meter line (spacing /
/ meter
(cm) (desired) in cm) 3 meter line
Radish 2.5 120 1.25 80 240
Carrots 2.5 120 1 100 300
Turnips 5 60 1.25 80 240
Beets 7.5 40 1.5 67 200
Leeks 2.5 120 1 100 300
Bunching 6 per 8 per
240 107 320
Onions 7.5cm 7.5cm

Lettuces, Spinaches, Greens:

Grow a lush carpet of wall-to-wall greens: salad or braising greens.
4 seeds per square centimeter recommended
2,500 seeds per square meter recommended

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 1, Unit 7

Starting Seeds INDOORs

If it’s cold outside or you have no outdoor space, you’ll be shocked at
how many greens, shoots and herbs you can grow indoors.

Some important notes about your seed starting mix:

1. If you are a beginner, you may want completely “sterile” seed
starting mix: purchase at your local store. Sterile ingredients are
coconut coir, peat moss, perlite and sand.
2. More experienced growers creating homemade mixes with
homemade compost can accidentally introduce pathogens that
lead to damping off disease. Make sure any compost used in see
starting mix is completely finished.
3. Add up to 10% worm castings can boost your plants’ immunity
against pests and diseases.
NOTE: Refer back to Module 1, Unit 7 to set up your grow lamps.

WHEN will you water your trays? Same time every day is
recommended. Set a timer on your phone to help you remember.

What are your biggest challenges? How will you overcome them?

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Week 2
CHECKLIST

Week 2
Congratulations! You have done 80% of the work… all of the hardest
work is behind you. Most likely you will not have much to do this week.
Caring for plants once they are in the ground is super simple. For 100
square feet of space, spend 5 minutes watering and observing your
plants and that’s it! I’ll share my best tricks for remembering to actually
spend those 5 minutes. It’s easy to forget when there’s so little to do.

And of course, you can always sit and enjoy your garden as long as you
like. The plants can feel your attention and presence. The best fertilizer
is a gardener’s gaze!

Week 2 Checklist:
Continue daily habit of observing crops
Continue watering routine
Seed your first round of sprouts
Thin any fast growing root crops
Watch Week 3 Videos

Notes :

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 3, Unit 1

Calculating Seeds for Purchase

Pea & Sunflower Shoots: Plant as densely as possible. Seeds
should be touching, laid flat on top of the growing medium.

Salad & Braising Greens (# seeds/oz varies by variety)

seeds seeds seeds / # ounces
# of sq ft
/ sq ft needed pound needed

Pea Shoots 3000 1 3000 3200 0.94

Sunflower
3000 2 6000 8400 0.71
Shoots

Varieties Grown in Example: Organic Field Pea and Organic Gray

Striped Sunflower
Daily Hydration Schedule:
Wake-up Mid-day Go to Bed
Wake-up Mid-day Go to Bed
Wake-up Mid-day Go to Bed
Wake-up Go to Bed
Wake-up Go to Bed
Wake-up Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed
Wake-up Harvest_______ Go to Bed

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 3, Unit 2

Testing Your Moisture

Every soil has a different texture and structure which means that your
soil has unique water-retention capacity. A little observation goes a long
way into knowing how much moisture you need to add to your planting
beds.

Does your soil tend to drain water too quickly or retain too much water?
Perhaps it’s just right? Does water pool on top of the soil, or does it
sink? What are your observations?

How many seconds do you water your planting bed so that the following
day your squeeze test results in proper hydration?

What’s your best method for watering your first 40 days?

Notes :

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 3, Unit 3
TEMPLATE

Observe Pest / Disease Notes

Each week, list any pest or disease issues you observe. For
each pest / disease, rate it on a scale from 1 to 10. Here’s a
guide: Rate an issue a 1 if you are first noticing it and it seems
small. Rate an issue a 5 if it is significantly affecting your food
harvest. Rate an issue a 10 if it is killing the plant.

Week 1
DATE:

Week 2
DATE:

Week 3
DATE:

Week 4
DATE:

Week 5
DATE:

Week 6
DATE:

Week 7
DATE:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 3, Unit 3
TEMPLATE

Pest / Disease Notes (Sample)

Each week, list any pest or disease issues you observe. For
each pest / disease, rate it on a scale from 1 to 10. Here’s a
guide: Rate an issue a 1 if you are first noticing it and it seems
small. Rate an issue a 5 if it is significantly affecting your food
harvest. Rate an issue a 10 if it is killing the plant.

Week 1 N/A
DATE:

Week 2 1- Cabbage Moths flying around

DATE:

Week 3 1 - Eggs seen on underside of kale leaves

DATE:

Week 4 3 - Caterpillars on 2 plants have eaten several

DATE: leaves almost completely. New leaves are
unaffected.

0 - Eggs and Caterpillars have not returned

Week 5
DATE:

Week 6
DATE:

Week 7
DATE:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 3, Unit 3
TEMPLATE

What Do You Want to Track?

You may be curious how much time you are spending each week
gardening, or how you feel about your garden progress, or
questions you need answered. Use this format to capture whatever
feels important to you. Additionally, perhaps you want to take a
photo each day or each week from the same place so you have a
time-lapse view of your garden at the end of the challenge.

Week 1
DATE:

Week 2
DATE:

Week 3
DATE:

Week 4
DATE:

Week 5
DATE:

Week 6
DATE:

Week 7
DATE:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Week 3
CHECKLIST

Week 3-6
Get ready to harvest that food! You are about to taste the freshest food,
straight from your garden. This may be some of the most fun you have
in the whole challenge. This is what motivates gardeners to grow more!
The biggest mistake that I see beginners make is that they are afraid to
harvest so they wait too long and crops pass their prime. Don’t be afraid
to cut, harvest, and eat your plants. The more you harvest, the more you
will grow. Create a habit to harvest even if you’re not cooking… it
signals to the plants to create more.

Week 3 Checklist:
Continue daily habit of observing your crops
Continue your watering routine
Harvest shoots you seeded in Week 2
Begin harvesting small bottom greens from transplants
Thin root vegetables and harvest greens & herbs
Write down what crops you planted where in the crop plan
Note your estimated day of harvest based on days to maturity
Weigh any harvests and track them in your harvest log
Complete your balance sheets including expenses and harvests
Plan any future succession plantings

Notes :

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 4, Unit 1
TEMPLATE

Harvest Log
Crops Days Days Days Days Days Days Total $/
Value
Harvested 0-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42 Amou Amount
nt

Total
Investment Costs:
Total Value after Investment:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 4, Unit 1
TEMPLATE

Harvest Log (Sample)

Crops Days Days Days Days Days Days Total $/
Value
Harvested 0-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42 Amount Amount
Chard 20 24 36 36 116 $3/10 $34.80
Kale 12 16 20 24 24 $3/10 $7.20
Celery 12 16 22 30 36 $3/10 $10.80

Total $52.80
Investment Costs:
Total Value after Investment:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 4, Unit 5
TEMPLATE

Garden Expenses
Supplies Costs

Sub-Total

Overhead (Infrastructure) Costs

Sub-Total
Total Investment:

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Module 4, Unit 5
TEMPLATE

40-Day Crop Plan

Bed # Days Days Days Days Days Days
Crop Value
# plants 0-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 40-Day Crop Plan (Sample)
Bed # Days Days Days Days Days Days
Crop Value
# plants 0-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42
Chard 1 12 TP x x x x $3/10
Kale 1 6 TP x x x x $3/10
Celery 1 6 TP x x x x $3/10
Radish 2 96 DS x x $2/6
Turnips 2 48 DS x $2/5
Spinach 2 BC BC x x x $5/lb
Lettuce Heads 2 6 TP x x $1.50/hd

Arugula 2 BC BC x x $5/lb
Carrots 2 96 DS $2/6
B
Beets 2 48 DS $2/4
Cabbage 2 5 TP $2/hd
Oregano 1 1 TP x x x $3/bu
Parsley 1 1 TP x x x $3/bu
Dill 1 3 TP x x x $3/bu
Basil 1 1 TP x x x $3/bu
Cilantro 1 3 TP x x x $3/bu

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Next Steps
Coming soon…

© Stacey Murphy, 2017

 Notes, Receipts, Extras…
Use this space to take notes, draw, attach receipts, create a photo
journal: whatever makes sense for you.

© Stacey Murphy, 2017