When should I plant cold-hardy vegetables?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.To successfully plant cold-hardy vegetables, you need to understand the frost patterns in your area. Cold-hardy vegetables are resilient crops that thrive when planting is precisely timed with the seasonal transitions. Fall-planted crops are mostly sown in late summer, while spring-planted crops should be sown for the time right around the last frost. Ultimately, one's success will depend on being aware of the local climate where you reside.
Frost Date Tracking
- Identify last spring frost using USDA zone maps
- Note first fall frost for harvest planning
- Use online tools from university extensions
Soil Preparation
- Amend soil with compost 2 weeks before planting
- Ensure pH between 6.0-7.0 for most vegetables
- Create raised beds for improved drainage
The onset of fall planting is an ideal time after the summer heat has begun to fade. The fall will allow cool-weather vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, their best chance of survival with an early start, as they mature slowly. Plant those by mid-July in most areas. Root crops, such as carrots, follow, typically from late July through August, after they have established themselves before the cold of fall settles in.
The spring planting date is determined by your last frost date. Count backward from that date for each vegetable's ideal timeframe. For example, greens such as spinach should be seeded four to six weeks before your last frost date. Leeks need to be sown even earlier, as they require additional time to mature. Stay on top of each of these dates!
Regional differences have a notable effect on schedules. Coastal gardeners can typically plant in the fall for weeks longer than those in the mountains. Some gardeners in warmer regions can plant lettuce as late as late September; in cooler areas, the end of the growing season is more likely to stop lettuce planting by mid- to late-August. Get to know the patterns of your own specific microclimate.
Start to implement these strategies today to enjoy continuous harvests. Cold-hardy crops like kale and spinach can produce yields very quickly. In the next season, expand your harvest to include root vegetables. Your garden will be a source of fresh, nutritious food all year round, regardless of the weather, whether it is a rainy day, snowing, or sunny.
Read the full article: Top 10 Cold Hardy Vegetables to Grow
