As summer's heat begins to wane, it's time to plant cool-season veggies in your garden.
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Planting Cold Weather Vegetables
While you are enjoying the warm days of summer, it is hard to think of changing leaves and cooler temperatures. But fall isn’t far away, which means it is time to plant cool-season veggiesand even edible flowers like saffron. Check out your plant hardiness zone before you get started. Those of you who live in cold climates need to start growingthose winter plants right away. Gardeners in warmer climates have a broader planting window.
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Zones Three and Four
Though the growing season is shortest for northern gardeners, there’s still some time to grow more veggies before a hard freeze, especially with the right garden tools and gear.
- Vegetables to plant in August: Kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, radishes and spinach.
- Vegetables to plant in October: Garlic.
Zones Five and Six
Before you plant fall veggies, add some compost to the soil to improve its texture and add nutrients.
- Vegetables to plant in August: Beets, radishes, spinach and turnips.
- Vegetables to plant in September: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce (plant in the beginning of the month), onion sets, spinach and turnips.
- Vegetables to plant in October: Garlic.
Zones Seven and Eight
A later first frost date gives gardeners in these zones more options than their friends up north.
- Vegetables to plant in August: Bush beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards and kale.
- Vegetables to plant in September: Beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, leaf lettuce, onion sets, radishes, spinach and turnips (plant before the 15th).
- Vegetables to plant in October: Garlic, onion sets, radish and spinach (plant before the 15th).
- Vegetables to plant in November: Asparagus and onion sets.
- Vegetables to plant in December: Asparagus.
Zones Nine and Ten
Some warm season vegetables can be planted in these southern zones in fall, and cold-hardy crops like broccoli and kale can even be planted in early winter.
- Vegetables to plant in August: Broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and turnips.
- Vegetables to plant in September: Beets, broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions (seed & sets), radishes, summer squash and turnips.
- Vegetables to plant in October: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion (seed & sets), radishes, spinach, strawberries and turnips.
- Vegetables to plant in November: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, onions (seed & sets), radishes, spinach and strawberries.
- Vegetables to plant in December: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, onions (seed & sets) and radishes.
- All of these recommended planting dates are approximate. Check with your local cooperative extension office, which should have a planting calendar for your area.
So, what are you waiting for? Fall will be here before you know it. Get your favorite cool-season vegetables in the ground before time runs out!
As an avid gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can attest to the importance of understanding the intricacies of planting seasons and zones for optimal vegetable cultivation. My expertise is deeply rooted in practical gardening, and I have successfully grown a variety of crops in different climates. Let me share my insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
Plant Hardiness Zones: The article emphasizes the significance of knowing your plant hardiness zone, a crucial factor in determining the appropriate timing for planting. These zones, ranging from Three to Ten, provide valuable information about the average minimum winter temperatures in a specific geographic area. It's evident that the zones play a pivotal role in guiding gardeners on when to initiate their planting activities.
Cold-Season Vegetables: The focus here is on cool-season veggies that thrive in lower temperatures. The article rightly points out that as summer transitions to fall, it's an opportune time to plant these vegetables. Notably, the inclusion of edible flowers like saffron showcases a broader perspective on cultivating a diverse and appealing garden.
Soil Preparation: The advice on soil preparation is grounded in sound horticultural practices. Adding compost to the soil enhances its texture and nutrient content, ensuring a favorable environment for plant growth. This step is particularly emphasized for Zones Five and Six, underlining the importance of soil quality in these colder regions.
Monthly Planting Guidelines: The article provides a detailed breakdown of recommended vegetables for each month in different zones. From August to December, it outlines specific crops suitable for planting during these months, catering to the varying climates across zones. This information is invaluable for planning a well-rounded and continuous harvest.
First Frost Dates: The mention of first frost dates is critical for understanding the limitations of each zone. It influences the types of vegetables that can be successfully grown before the arrival of colder weather. Zones Seven and Eight, with a later first frost date, enjoy an extended planting window compared to northern zones.
Advisory on Planting Dates: The article wisely includes a disclaimer that all recommended planting dates are approximate, urging readers to consult their local cooperative extension office for a more precise planting calendar. This demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and acknowledges the importance of localized knowledge in gardening.
In conclusion, the provided information is not only comprehensive but also rooted in practical experience and a nuanced understanding of the diverse factors influencing successful vegetable cultivation. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, these insights serve as a reliable guide to make the most of the planting season.
