Early Spring Gardening
As the snow melts and the weather turns, it’s hard to resist the urge to get growing. Though we are still weeks away from our last frost date here in New Jersey (Zone 7a), I’m already thinking about what I can plant out into the garden.
Did you know there are several cold hardy plants that you can start in March?
Asparagus
Often planted as 1 Year Old Plants (referred to as crowns), asparagus can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
Check out the video below to see how I planted my asparagus crowns 3 different ways.
Brassicas
Spring can be a bit unpredictable. Some years we have a nice cool period from March to early May, but other years the heat and humidity is unbearable by mid April.
Brassicas love cool weather. When temperatures get to high it can stunt the plants growth, and/or cause the plant to bolt (flower).
Every year I start my broccoli in early March. Some years it takes them a little longer to establish, but I find that planting them early gives them all the time they need to grow big beautiful heads.
Root Vegetables
Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Onions, Potatoes and More.
All of these Root Vegetables grow best in cool weather, making spring an ideal planting time. It has even been said that planting some cool weather crops 2-3 weeks before your last frost date can produce a better harvest.
Lettuces
Arugula, Kale, Spinach
It is incredibly easy to grow different lettuces from seed. Planting your seed in early spring gives your greens the cool weather they need to grow without bolting.
If you’re feeling eager to get in the garden this season, then try some of these cool weather crops. If you’re in Zone 7a like myself, I would recommend starting some of your plants that bolt easily soon. Last year, we had 90 ℉ temperatures by May.
Do you have a favorite cool weather crop?
Do you take your chances planting outside before your last frost date?
Let me know in the comments below.
