If you're wondering when the best time of year is to start planting in your cool season garden, the answer may depend on where you live. In general, you should start planting in late summer or early fall, when the weather is still warm but the days are getting shorter. This will give your plants time to grow and mature before the weather gets too cold.
In this blog you’ll learn:
- When cool season starts and which plants and vegetables make the perfect choice to plant
- Why cool season can be the perfect time to begin to plant those seeds you’ve been storing in your home
- Benefits of starting your Raised Garden Bed during the cool season
- How to transplant seeds to your Raised Garden Bed
- The five best plants and vegetables to grow during cool season
When Does Cool Season Start?
When does the cool season start? For most of us, the cool season starts when the weather gets cooler and we start to break out our sweaters and jackets. But for some of us, cool season starts when the leaves start to change color and fall from the trees.
Either way, the cool season is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get ready for the holidays! Cool-season crops are the first ones to plant in the garden year.
Cold season is usually thought of as anytime starting from several weeks to a couple of months before the final frost date in your area. Vegetables you plant during this time need them to germinate, grow, set fruit and mature… and have to obviously be able to withstand frigid, cold temperatures this season often brings.
The Benefits of Starting Your Garden In The Cool Season
Starting your garden in the cool season has a number of benefits. First, you'll be able to take advantage of cooler temperatures, which can help your plants grow more quickly. Second, you'll be able to plant earlier in the season, which can give your plants a longer growing season. Finally, you'll be able to enjoy your garden for a longer period of time.
How To Transplant Seeds You Planted Indoors
It’s always exciting to plant seeds indoors and then see them germinate and grow. Once they’ve grown to a certain size, you’ll need to transplant them into your outdoor garden. The best time to transplant them is in the evening, so they have time to adjust to their new home before the sun comes up the next day. Be sure to water them well and give them some time to get used to their new surroundings before you start fertilizing them.
The 5 Best Plants To Sow In Your Cool Season Garden
There are a few key things to consider when choosing plants for your cool season garden. Firstly, you need to make sure that the plants you choose are tolerant of cooler temperatures. Secondly, you need to make sure that they will thrive in the shorter days and lower light levels that the cool season typically brings.
#1) Carrots
Carrots are a cool weather crop that can be grown in a raised garden bed. You can start planting carrots in late summer or early fall, about two months before the first frost date in your area. Carrots need full sun and well-drained, loose soil to grow well.
To prepare your raised bed, mix in some compost or manure to help improve the quality of the soil. Carrots can be direct seeded or started indoors in pots and then transplanted into the garden. Thin carrots to 3-4 inches apart when they are about 2-3 inches tall. Carrots are ready to harvest when they are about 6-8 inches long.
#2) Beets
Beets are a cool season crop that can be planted as early as two weeks before the last frost date in spring. They thrive in temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making them one of the few vegetables that can be planted in early spring and still produce a bountiful harvest come fall. Beets are a versatile root vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews.
#3) Peas
Peas are typically grown in the cool season because they are a cool-season crop. They can be grown in the spring or fall, and in some areas, they can even be grown in the winter. Peas need to be planted when the soil is cool and they will not germinate if the soil is too warm. Peas are usually planted as a cover crop or as a green manure crop.
#4) Radishes
Radishes are best for cool season gardening because they can tolerate frost and can be planted as early as two weeks before the last frost date. Radishes come in a variety of colors, including red, white, and black. They have a crisp texture and a mild flavor.
#5) Spinach
Spinach is a cool season crop that can tolerate frost and survive in cold temperatures. This hardiness makes it a good choice for gardeners who want to extend their growing season.
Spinach is a fast-growing crop that is easy to care for. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. Spinach is a nutrient-rich food that is high in vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of iron.
Bonus: Arugula
Arugula is often forgotten about when discussing cool season crops. It's a fast-growing, nutrient-rich green that can be harvested within 4-6 weeks of planting. Arugula is a great addition to your raised garden bed crops because it can handle cold temperatures extremely well.
Extensive Collection of Raised Garden Bed Kits To Plant Your Crops During This Year’s Cool Season
In order to harvest the best crops in the cool season, you need the right tools to get your gardening done right! At Frame It All, we make it easy to build a raised bed garden! Your kit comes with everything you need for simple installation. And if you want to jumpstart your gardening season, be sure to check out our cold-frame greenhouses for raised beds. Browse our many Raised Garden Bed Kit designs to find the perfect raised garden bed for your space!