Cool season vegetables are those that can thrive during shorter days and cooler temperature of spring and fall. Some vegetables like kohlrabi and kale actually develop better flavor when nipped by frost. Some examples of cool season vegetables are lettuce, collards, snow peas, cabbage and broccoli. Summer vegetables like tomatoes and squash require long, hot days to grow.
The first thing we should do when we still have snow is to place the seed order. When the order arrives, it may still be too early to plant the seeds outdoors, but many cool season vegetables can be started from seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the frost free date in our area. The frost free date in Michigan according to last year is April 21st to April 30th. This determines when the spring growing season begins. On the other side, gardeners in extreme north have such a short growing season that they will plant their cool and warm season vegetables practically side by side.
English Peas - We should direct sow it in the garden 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. They will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. Seedlings will survive a late snow and short periods of temperature down to 25 degrees F.
Carrots - We should sow seeds in spring about two weeks before the last frost date. Carrots need deep, loose soil to form a robust root. When the seedlings are about two inches tall, we should thin them so that there is about 1 to 4 inches between them. We should cover the shoulders with mulch or soil to keep them from turning green and bitter.
The first thing we should do when we still have snow is to place the seed order. When the order arrives, it may still be too early to plant the seeds outdoors, but many cool season vegetables can be started from seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the frost free date in our area. The frost free date in Michigan according to last year is April 21st to April 30th. This determines when the spring growing season begins. On the other side, gardeners in extreme north have such a short growing season that they will plant their cool and warm season vegetables practically side by side.
Even though many of the vegetables are regarded cold tolerant, they can all be wiped out by a sudden, severe drop in temperature. Therefore, its important to be prepared with something to drape over the crops if an overnight cool snap is expected. We can simply cover crops with newspaper, old sheets or frost blankets. Just remember to remove the covering the next morning. Here are some of the common cool season vegetables to help produce a bountiful spring garden:
English Peas - We should direct sow it in the garden 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. They will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. Seedlings will survive a late snow and short periods of temperature down to 25 degrees F.Carrots - We should sow seeds in spring about two weeks before the last frost date. Carrots need deep, loose soil to form a robust root. When the seedlings are about two inches tall, we should thin them so that there is about 1 to 4 inches between them. We should cover the shoulders with mulch or soil to keep them from turning green and bitter.
Broccoli - Broccoli seeds can be sown directly in the garden 4 weeks before the last frosst date. The ideal day time temperature for broccoli is between 65 to 80 degrees.
Radish - We should sow radish seeds in the garden about 4 weeks before the frost date. No feeding is necessary, but soil should be fertile and well drained. They are quick to mature, so we should check them reguarly. They are ready to harvest as soon as they are of edible size.
Great info!
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew that I should be starting broccoli seeds with so much time before spring. Looks like I should be planting my seeds in a few weeks. This should prove very helpful. THANKS!
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