Planting Cool Weather Crops: Right Time for Maximum Yield
As the days grow longer and the weather starts to warm, gardeners across the country are eagerly anticipating the start of the growing season. For those who enjoy cool-weather crops, the early spring is the perfect time to get planting.
Glen, a gardening expert with over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance, design, and landscaping services, shares his knowledge on how to optimise early spring vegetable success.
To begin, it's essential to understand last frost dates and soil temperature. Plant cool-season crops when the soil temperature reaches about 10°C (50°F), which is suitable for crops like peas, arugula, mustard, radish, and turnips. Avoid planting warm-weather crops until soil temperatures reach higher benchmarks (60°F or more)[1].
The choice of vegetables is also crucial. Early spring is ideal for direct sowing cool-weather vegetables such as radish, carrots, turnips, peas, lettuce, spinach, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, leeks, collards, onions, Brussels sprouts, and herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill[2][3]. Selecting hardy, fast-growing, or cold-tolerant crops maximises success.
Preparing the soil is another key step. Start by prepping garden beds early to ensure they are workable as soon as the ground thaws and warms. Well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter supports seed germination. Using tools cleaned and sharpened before planting will aid in effective soil preparation[3].
Additional tips include using a soil thermometer to monitor readiness, avoiding planting too early to prevent seed rot or slow germination due to cold, wet soil[1]. Starting some seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if your climate is still very cool, transplanting them outside once conditions improve[2]. Considering efficient watering strategies as temperatures rise to support healthy seedling growth[3].
By timing planting according to soil temperature and frost dates, selecting appropriate cool-season crops, and preparing nutrient-rich, workable soil, gardeners can optimise early spring vegetable success. These crops can be grown in two separate seasons, spring and fall, to avoid the summer heat.
Storing leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and other produce is also an important aspect of gardening. Refrigerate leafy vegetables in loose, perforated plastic bags with a damp paper towel, do not wash before storing since moisture can promote rot. Store root vegetables in boxes of damp sand or peat moss in a cellar or cool garage, keep them in the dark to prevent sprouting or turning green.
Glen's latest posts on his blog include tips on using garden fungicides, picking candy cane peppers, and picking watermelons. His expertise and helpful content make him a valuable resource for gardeners of all skill levels.
References: [1] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (n.d.). Soil Temperature and Seed Germination. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/content/soil-temperature-and-seed-germination
[2] The Spruce. (2018, March 23). Best Cool-Weather Vegetables for Spring Planting. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/best-cool-weather-vegetables-for-spring-planting-1402292
[3] Gardener's Supply Company. (n.d.). Spring Garden Planning Guide. Retrieved from https://www.gardeners.com/learn/spring-garden-planning-guide-10000015682644.html
- Glen, an expert in gardening, emphasizes the importance of understanding soil temperature and last frost dates to ensure successful planting of cool-weather crops like radish, peas, and spinach during early spring.
- To maximize early spring vegetable success, gardeners should choose hardy, fast-growing, or cold-tolerant crops, such as broccoli, kohlrabi, and onions, and prepare nutrient-rich, well-drained soil using clean and sharpened tools.
- In addition to optimizing planting conditions, it's crucial to follow proper storage methods for leafy vegetables and root vegetables, such as refrigerating leafy greens in perforated bags and storing root vegetables in boxes of damp sand or peat moss.
