No matter how big or small your vegetable garden is (even if it is just a container or two), to have success, it is important to know the difference between cool-season and warm-season vegetables. The other piece of important information is to know the approximate last frost date in the spring and the first frost date in the late summer/early fall.
Cool-season crops are the first ones to plant. This can be anytime from several weeks to a couple of months before the last frost date. These early vegetables cannot only withstand cold temperatures, they need cooler temperatures to germinate, grow, set fruit, and mature. These crops can be directly seeded into the ground or grown from transplants. Warm-season crops require higher soil and air temperatures; they should always be planted after the last frost date.
Now is the time to think about planting some cool season crops. It is difficult to pick an exact date as to when to start planting. A general rule of thumb is when the ground is no longer frozen and can be worked, and when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 20 degrees F and day temperatures are consistently above 32 degrees F, you can consider cool season crops.
Here are some cool season crops to try:
English peas or snap peas are good to start early. Snap peas have edible pods that are tasty.
Snow peas are another cool season vegetable; they are great in stir-fry dishes or for eating fresh.
All your lettuces, Mesclun greens and arugula love cool temperatures. Other greens such as spinach, Swiss chard or kale will also love the cool temperatures.
Beets are another early starter. Consider one of the newer colors of beets. These healthy vegetables can mature in about 50 days.
Broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage are considered cole crops. All cole crops appreciate cooler temperatures. For these crops, however, it is best to start with transplants versus starting them from seeds.
Carrots mature in about 70 days and the cooler temperatures will reward you with better flavor and color.
Radishes are perfect for the beginner gardener. They are one of the easiest crops to grow as well as being one of the fastest.
If you opt to start some of your vegetables in large containers, you can plant cool season vegetables even earlier in the spring. Visit our website, cceoneida.com, click on Home and Garden and you will find fact sheets on vegetable gardening. You will also find a link to the Cornell Garden Based Learning website which provides all sorts of information for the vegetable gardener. So, get out there early and grow your favorite cool season veggies this year! Happy gardening!
Are you interested in learning more about gardening, while enjoying shared tips, tricks, and camaraderie with other gardeners? Consider training to be an Oneida County Master Gardener Volunteer. For more information call us or visit our website cceoneida.com, phone 315-736-3394, Ext 100. Be sure to like us on Facebook (https://ift.tt/2Yi7RhI) and check out our YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/cceoneida) for great gardening talks.
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It's time to think about cool season vegetables - Rome Sentinel
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