Spring is in the air, and I can’t wait to get plants in the ground! But every year, without fail, my excitement gets the best of me. I forget to check my zone’s hardiness recommendations, neglect to prepare my soil amendments, or simply throw caution to the wind—ignoring the naysayers as I plant to my heart’s content. Unfortunately, for years, that enthusiasm led to more than a few lost plants—all my own doing.
If only there were a way to plant crops that thrive in the start of those cool weather seasons... Well, good news: Summer doesn’t have to be the star of your growing repertoire. Spring is the perfect time to dust off those gardening gloves and dig in!
So now that you’ve decided to not let summer have all the fun, and start collecting those sought-after gardening gains, there is one more big question.
Which Cool Season Crops Should You Consider?
There are a few families of plants that thrive in cool weather conditions. We will go over them all here in a concise list.
Leafy Greens
A vitamin or mineral for nearly any ailment, leafy greens should be a non-negotiable in your garden. From helping with bone density to brain function, and the immune system there's a reason Peter Rabbit was also trying to get the coveted lettuce from Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Lettuce- Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist. Lettuce prefers partial sun, and too dry of conditions will cause the leaves to taste bitter and bolt. Lettuce comes in all shapes, sizes and even some shades of purple. Check out the different lettuce varieties for sale on our website.
Spinach- Spinach can survive in light frost or even light snow, so even if the soil is still quite cold it can germinate. A rich compost packed soil is what spinach will do best in.
Kale- Kale can be a rewarding crop because of its versatile growth. Planted in early spring, it can tolerate frost and produce a sweeter tasting leaf. But can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. Picking the outer leaves first, your kale will keep producing for months. There are many varieties of kale all with unique textures, flavor and some with even flashes of color.
Mustard Greens- Fast growers, with edible leaves in as little as 4 weeks. Generally an easy-to-grow plant, that is favorable to succession growing. Eat the young leaves fresh in a salad, or enjoy the full-sized peppery leaves sauteed.
Collards – Thrive in cool weather but can handle heat. Pick outer leaves regularly for a continuous harvest. If you have dense clay soil, consider planting in raised beds for optimal draining.
Root Vegetables
If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed crop that stores well, root vegetables are a great choice. This gang is packed with essential nutrients and minerals like potassium and vitamin A, they are also high in fiber, and in the culinary world are an incredibly versatile asset.
Carrots – These root vegetables prefer a loose, well-draining soil. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to prevent forked roots. Keep soil moist for even germination. Carrots come in a variety of colors, each with a unique vitamin profile. While your classic orange carrots are filled with beta-carotene, the purple varieties are rich in anthocyanins which are powerful antioxidants.
Turnips – Fast growers! I don’t have much love for turnips in my house, but have an aunt that plants them religiously with great results. Sow directly in early spring or fall. Harvest young for the best flavor.
Radishes – Perfect for beginners. They mature quickly, so succession planting every couple of weeks for a steady harvest. Fun fact- Although I’ve already made one Peter Rabbit reference, in the beloved story, Peter claims these are his favorite treat. Ok, I promise no more rabbit references.
Beets – Soak seeds before planting for better germination. They like rich, well-draining soil and steady moisture. Avoid planting near nightshades, leeks, or pole beans.
Brassicas (Cool-Weather Champs!)
Brassicas prevent oxidative stress, induce detoxification enzymes, and stimulate the immune system. Definitely a worthy class in your home garden! Master tip: Avoid planting your brassicas in the same space, as they can attract the same pests, which will make your extermination efforts much more challenging if pests show up!
Broccoli – Start early indoors or direct sow in cool weather. Needs consistent watering and full sun. Broccoli is also a heavy feeder or prefers regular fertilization.
Cabbage – Space them well to avoid overcrowding. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Cabbage loves growing near rosemary and thyme, and is also a heavy feeder like broccoli so fertilization is key. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to learn when our compost tea blog is coming out.
Brussels Sprouts – Easy to grow, if you have the patience for a longer growing season. They love a long, cool growing season. Stake taller plants to prevent tipping. Plant your brussel sprouts in an area with full sun, and be sure to watch for those pesky cabbage worms.
Cauliflower – Sensitive to heat! Blanch heads by tying outer leaves over them to prevent sun damage. Be sure not to overwater cauliflower as it will get grouchy and lead to fungal diseases.
Other Cool-Weather Favorites
Peas – Give them a trellis to climb for better airflow and easier picking. They love cool soil but hate being transplanted. Peas prefer to be watered deeply and thrive best in full sun. If I can manage a trellis for climbing varieties, I usually plan for my peas to be the natural sun barrier for my shade loving plants like a leafy green.
Onions – Start from sets for the easiest growth. Plant shallowly and keep the soil consistently moist. Onions are also great container plants if you don’t have a lot of space. But, if you decide to pop them in the soil, they like carrots, and lettuce quite well.
Potatoes – Generally thought of as root vegetables but are in truth, tubers. Plant in loose soil and cover with straw or soil as they grow (this is referred to as hilling) to encourage more tubers. A gratifying crop requires little effort, potatoes are also great container plants. We have a huge variety of certified seed potatoes available at our store front or for shipping
There’s something special about growing in the cooler months. With the right timing and care, you’ll be harvesting long before the heat of summer kicks in. Are you planting a spring garden this year? Have you had success with any of these crops, or do you have a go-to tip to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s growing in your garden!.