As a self-proclaimed impatient gardener, I’m always eager to get a head start on the growing season. The anticipation of planning my spring and summer garden can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to waiting for the last frost date before planting outside. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error what vegetables thrive in early planting and what tricks work best to boost their chances of success.
Peas
Peas are a delightful and uncomplicated crop that thrive in a variety of conditions. They’re an excellent choice for early spring planting, as long as the soil can be worked before the last frost date. In fact, as long as you can get your hands on the dirt, peas will grow nicely. Instead of starting them indoors, I recommend sowing directly into the ground if you’re planting before the last frost. This approach allows the seeds to develop stronger root systems and a more robust plant.
Peas are surprisingly hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 26°F. However, when the temperature drops that low, it’s a good idea to add a layer of straw or hay to protect them from any further cold snaps. Don’t worry if you get snow – a blanket of white can actually serve as additional protection against further cold snaps. As the soil warms up after the last frost date, peas will start to emerge above ground.
Initially, they might grow slowly, but once they get going, they’ll quickly pick up speed.
Kale
One of kale’s most impressive traits is its ability to thrive in extreme temperatures. Not only can it withstand freezing conditions, but the cold weather also enhances its flavor and gives it a nutty taste. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of growing kale in my garden, where it has survived frost cover early in the season without any issues. Another benefit of this superfood is that it’s slow to bolt when the weather warms up, allowing you to enjoy multiple harvests from a single planting.
Planting kale early before the last frost gives you a long and fruitful growing period, making it perfect for those who want to get the most out of their crop.
Carrots
Carrots have a unique affinity for cooler weather, flourishing in temperatures as low as 55°F when sown in very early spring. In fact, they can germinate in such conditions, making them an ideal crop for those with a mild winter. Notably, carrots are also capable of overwintering, allowing you to plant a fall crop that will yield a bountiful harvest.
To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to plant carrot seeds at least five weeks prior to your last frost date, when most environments will support successful growth in fall, winter, and early spring. When doing so, ensure the soil is workable and has a minimum depth of six inches, providing ample space for the roots to develop.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard’s hardiness is truly remarkable. Not only does it withstand slug and snail attacks, but it also thrives in cold weather conditions. This resilient leafy green can be left to overwinter without any maintenance, provided it’s mulched properly. Some varieties like ‘Fordhook Giant’ and ‘Lucullus’ are particularly adept at surviving the winter months and then taking off again come springtime.
Swiss chard is capable of tolerating temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but if the temperature drops below this mark, some protection from the cold becomes necessary to ensure its survival.
Radish
In the winter, radishes are a treasured find for gardeners. Their rapid growth rate allows them to thrive even in freezing temperatures, making them an excellent choice for planting before harsh frosts set in. With soil temperatures as low as 45°F, these little red gems can still be coaxed into production. What’s more, radishes mature quickly – just 21 days from seed to plate – making them ideal for successive plantings and a constant harvest.
To keep the momentum going, simply ensure that individual plants don’t become too large.
Cabbage
While most brassicas struggle in warm temperatures, cabbage is an exception that thrives in cold weather. To give it the best start, plant seedlings outside approximately four weeks prior to your area’s final frost date. Once established, cabbage can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C), making it a hardy addition to any winter garden. Some varieties are even designed to grow throughout the winter months if planted in the fall.
A notable difference between cabbage and other cold-hardy crops is that it does best when started from seedlings rather than directly sown seeds. To begin, sow seeds indoors about 12 weeks prior to your area’s final frost date, then transplant the seedling once it has developed four to six leaves.
Broccoli
While cabbage is known for its exceptional cold tolerance, another popular brassica, broccoli, has slightly more limited cold hardiness. While it can survive temperatures in the mid-20s Fahrenheit, optimal growth requires a bit more warmth. In fact, growing broccoli in a cold frame can actually enhance its performance. That being said, it’s not entirely necessary to provide a cold frame for broccoli – it will still thrive outside.
As with cabbage, start your broccoli seeds indoors at the same time as you would for other brassicas, then transplant them four weeks before the last traditional frost date. Be sure to take precautions against unwanted visitors like snails and slugs.
Arugula
Arugula, another member of the brassica family, offers a distinct advantage over its cousins cabbage and broccoli: it can be directly sown into the garden during winter. This hardiness allows arugula seeds to germinate in temperatures as low as 40ºF, making it an ideal candidate for early spring planting.
In fact, this is why you may often stumble upon spontaneous arugula growth in your garden – it seems to thrive in cold weather conditions and will continue to produce leaves with its characteristic nutty, earthy flavor even when the temperatures drop.
Onion
While onions may not be as frost-tolerant as some vegetables, they can still thrive in cold weather. In fact, they’ll do best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they’ve also been known to survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent freezing and subsequent rotting when the temperature drops below freezing and then thaws later, make sure to mulch well. I find that straw mulch works particularly well for onions.
Lettuce
When it comes to growing lettuce, one thing is certain: it’s a thrifty crop that can thrive in a variety of temperatures. Some varieties are even happy to grow in as chilly an environment as 25ºF, provided you give them the right conditions. To coax the best out of your lettuce, consider using frost cloth, row covers, or a plastic tunnel to keep the cold at bay.
As winter gives way to spring, be on the lookout for unwanted visitors like slugs and snails that tend to emerge during this time and have a taste for lettuce. Be prepared to take measures to protect your crops and ensure they don’t get devoured. In terms of planting, it’s generally best to direct sow your lettuce seeds into the soil before the last frost date and again after that point for a succession of harvests.
And when warmer weather finally arrives, make sure your lettuce is well-hydrated, as this will help prevent it from bolting to seed when temperatures rise and moisture levels drop.
Spinach
For a taste of cold-hardy vegetables, start with spinach – it’s an excellent choice. Not only does it thrive in temperatures as low as 15ºF, but it’s also incredibly easy to grow. If you’re eager to get started, you can plant spinach seeds as early as six weeks prior to the traditional last frost date. For the best results, sow them directly into the soil.
Turnip
When it comes to your winter garden, turnips often get overlooked. However, modern cultivars have a sweet surprise in store for you. These varieties are less woody than their traditional counterparts and boast a sweeter flavor profile. Plus, they thrive in cold temperatures and germinate reliably. As soon as the soil can be worked, direct sow turnip seeds into your garden bed. While they may not germinate as quickly as radishes, turnips will still emerge swiftly from the winter soil.
To ensure a bountiful harvest, consider starting some seeds indoors and then transplanting them alongside the directly sown seeds when the weather warms up.
Beets
While beets are not as chilly-hardy as many other vegetables we’ve discussed, they do possess some level of cold tolerance. However, this tolerance is limited, and they typically require a window of slightly warmer temperatures before the last frost date to thrive. To ensure successful germination, it’s essential to wait until most of the frost has passed and the soil is nearing its natural warming phase.
As a general guideline, plant beets one to two weeks prior to the predicted last frost date. If the soil is still too cold at this point, germination will likely fail to occur.
Potatoes
When it comes to cultivating a profitable and effortless crop, potatoes are an excellent choice. Not only do they thrive in well-prepared soil, but they also reward growers with a generous yield of tubers. To get started, you’ll need to ensure the soil is loose and workable, as potatoes require this type of environment to grow effectively. Typically, about two weeks prior to the final frost date, you can begin planting seed potatoes.
This timing allows for the foliage to emerge from the soil without suffering from cold weather, as potatoes are surprisingly resilient to light frosts.
Pak Choi
Pak Choi and its fellow Asian greens showcase exceptional cold tolerance, making them ideal for transplantation or direct sowing as early as three weeks prior to the final frost date. Interestingly, these greens thrive in cooler temperatures, resulting in more bountiful harvests compared to planting later when the weather warms up.
Dill
Sow dill seeds directly about a week prior to the predicted last frost date, allowing for optimal germination and growth. Although dill prefers warm soil, you can still plant it before the last frost date using a makeshift cold frame.
To create your own cold frame, reuse an old window frame by placing it over the area where you’ll be planting the dill. Elevate the frame using bricks or wooden blocks to allow the sun to warm the soil slightly more than the surrounding soil.
Parsley
When it comes to sowing parsley seeds, some varieties actually thrive in cold soil. Provided the soil is workable, you can directly plant the seeds around two weeks prior to the final frost date. If you’re looking for a cultivar that does particularly well in early planting, ‘Forest Green’ is an excellent option.
Cilantro
When it comes to planting herbs early, I’m a big fan of cilantro. Not only is it incredibly cold-tolerant, allowing you to plant it as much as four weeks before the last expected frost date, but it’s also surprisingly resilient in the face of unexpected snowfall – it will still germinate even if winter decides to make an unwelcome return visit. Of course, patience is a virtue when working with cilantro, as it can be slow to emerge from the soil.
But that’s not all – by planting it early, you’re also less likely to encounter the problem of bolting in the heat, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy their harvest throughout the growing season.
Mustard
When it comes to growing mustard greens, one of their most appealing qualities is their ability to thrive in cold temperatures. In fact, they’re perfectly suited for planting as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, or even in the fall when the weather cools down. Mustard greens are tolerant of temperatures ranging from 32°F to 75°F, and can even handle colder snaps that drop into the 20s.
However, it’s worth noting that seed germination is less reliable when soil temperatures dip below 40°F, so if you’re starting seeds indoors, be sure to wait until the soil has warmed up before transplanting. If you don’t have a greenhouse or other protected space to start your seeds, direct sowing three weeks before the last frost date is a good rule of thumb. Of course, if you have access to a cold frame or an old window frame, you can get away with planting even earlier in the season.
