What are cold weather crops, and why should you grow them?
If you’re like us, you’re eager to get your garden started! But in New Jersey, we have to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves. Lots of plants are not hardy enough for the cold weather that will linger for a few more weeks.
While many of our favorite summer gardening varieties need a few more weeks before they’re ready to brave the cold, there are a variety of cold weather crops that are perfect for gardeners like us who like to get a head start on the planting season!
What are cold weather crops?
Cold weather crops are plants that can tolerate and even thrive in colder temperatures, often being planted in early spring or late summer/fall. These crops can include a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that have adapted to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Some examples of cold weather crops include…
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are great cold weather crops that can be planted in the early spring or late summer/fall.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes are all root vegetables that can be grown during the cooler months.
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are all members of the brassica family that do well in cooler weather.
Peas: Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted early in the spring or in the fall.
Herbs: Parsley, chives, thyme, and other herbs can be grown during the cooler months and are great for adding flavor to your cold weather dishes.
Which crops can I start now, in April?
Even with cold crops, for healthy plants to thrive you'll want to wait until the soil temperature is at least 40°F and the risk of frost has passed. A soil thermometer can help you check the temperature of your soil before planting.
Some crops, like peas and lettuce, can be planted earlier in the month, while others, like broccoli and cauliflower, may do better if planted later in April or in May. Rutgers has published a helpful garden planting guide that provides ideal timeframes for planting.
When do I harvest cold crops?
The timeline for harvesting cold crops depends on the plant variety and growing conditions. For example, leafy greens can be harvested when the leaves are large enough to eat, which usually takes 4-6 weeks, while root vegetables and brassicas are usually harvested anywhere from 60-100 days after planting,
What else should I consider?
Before filling your raised beds with cold crops, consider what other plants you want to include in your garden this season, and plot out your space accordingly. Make sure that you leave room for other veggies that will need to be planted in May and June, and prioritize vegetables that will thrive in the sun and soil conditions of your garden. You may also want to prioritize the vegetables that fit in your family’s diet or those that can be frozen or canned for use throughout the year.
Want to learn more about cold crops?
Our gardening experts are here to help! Visit our garden center to talk to our gardening experts about cold crops, planning your garden, and more.