Now that the weather is slowly warming, the joy of gardening encourages us to get outside and get a little dirty. However, with fluctuating temperatures, the risk of frost damage still exists. Many of our favorite vegetables will be damaged or stunted by chilly temperatures. Nevertheless, the cold doesn’t need to deter you. Now is the perfect time to plant cool-season crops!
Cool-Season Crops Thrive in Cool Temps
Cool-season crops are usually the first crops we plant in spring. They can be planted anytime from several weeks to a couple months before the last frost date. Common cool-season vegetables include asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chives, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, kale, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnips, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips. These tasty vegetables not only prefer cooler temperatures but thrive in such weather. The cold weather encourages them to germinate, grow, set fruit and mature. Excess heat, however, can cause them to quickly flower and set seed, a process called bolting.
Cool-Season Crops Can Be Grown Directly From Seed
While some cool-season crops like asparagus and rhubarb are best started from roots, most can be grown directly from seed in the garden, as soon as the soil can be worked. It is important to plant them early enough to have a harvest before temperatures get too warm. Planting seedling starts of lettuce, kale, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, spinach and broccoli will give you a jump on the season and provide an earlier harvest.
A Bountiful Garden Starts with Good Soil
Adding compost and organic fertilizers will enrich your garden soil. Compost encourages the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich, nutrient-filled material. Compost also helps to retain moisture and suppresses plant diseases and pests. Plus, it reduces the need for chemical fertilizers! Organic fertilizers slowly release nutrients without damaging the beneficial microbes in your soil. At Flowerland, we offer several types of organic compost and fertilizers that will greatly benefit your plants and provide an abundant harvest.
It’s never too early to get out in the garden, especially when you have cool-season crops to plant! From soils and compost to seeds and plants, Flowerland has everything you need to get your garden started. Stop in today!
