Understanding your garden’s growing season can make all the difference in your garden’s success. Each vegetable has a season or temperature it thrives in. Planting too early or too late can result in a disappointing garden. When deciding when to plant we are going to throw out all the need for knowing your “garden zone”. I want you to focus on the last frost date in your area. That’s your green light to start planting and a great anchor point for your gardening calendar.
The Magic of the Last Frost
When planning your cool season garden, the last frost date is the foundation for planning your garden. Check your seed packets or transplant tags—they usually recommend planting based on that date. They will tell you to plant the number of weeks before your last frost or if they should be planted after your last frost. For many cool season veggies, you can actually sow seeds outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. This way, your plants get a head start while enjoying those cooler early spring days.
Planting Cool Season Vegetables by Seed
Cool weather can be a blessing for many vegetables. Here are a few suggestions for getting your seeds into the soil:
- Peas: These vegetables love the cool and can be sown about 4-6 weeks before your last frost. They even handle a light frost! Sugar snap peas are my favorite.
- Spinach: Quick-growing and thriving in the chill, spinach seeds can be planted in the same early window.
- Lettuce: Direct sow lettuce seeds 4-6 weeks before the frost clears; you’ll soon be enjoying crisp, fresh greens.
- Radishes: They’re fast growers, so plant them early for a speedy harvest.
- Carrots: Some carrot varieties do well when planted early—just be patient as they develop.
Transplanting Cool Season Vegetables
For some cool season vegetables, transplanting is the best option. Here’s the deal: you can either pick up transplants from your local garden center or, if you’re up for it, start your seeds indoors. Either option gives your plants a great start. For vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, check the transplant tags or seed packets for the best timing—usually, you’ll want to get these plants into your garden a couple of weeks before the last frost date. This way, your transplants can settle in and start growing strong before the weather warms up too much
Your Next Steps:
Now it’s time to get planning. Find your local last frost date. Once place is the National Gardening Association. Just enter your zip code. Keep in mind, these are an estimate. Watch your weather app for any unexpected hard frost or freeze. Add your last frost date on your calendar and work backwards to set your planting schedule according to the vegetable you want to grow and when it should be planted. With your garden planned out around that crucial date, you’ll be well on your way to a successful cool season vegetable garden.
Happy gardening!
Karen
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