Which Cool Season Seeds to Start for a Fall/Winter Harvest
Suzanne Fellows
Fall is around the corner and now is a great time to start veggies for a fall or early winter finish. You can use our Planting Calculator to see what can be planted in the fall and the times to plant. Just put in your first expected frost date then click calculate. The general planting guide will give you date ranges when you can direct sow seeds. As an example for zone 9, the approximate first frost is November 16 (Calculated from the Colfax Calif. Weather Station). The Fall Planting Dates are generated and some seeds that can direct sown now are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, chard, most greens, peas, kohlrabi, kale, and lettuce (hot regions may need to plant under some shade cloth, or start seeds indoors). Later in September-October you can plant your radishes, turnips, onions, shallots, and garlic. Read your seed packs for the soil temperatures that are needed for germination. Seeds like spinach will not germinate if the soil is too hot (above about 75°F), so you may need to start them indoors or outdoors in a cooler spot. Have some Agribon rowcover on hand in the fall for those early unexpected cold nights. A low tunnel with greenhouse plastic can also be placed over your beds to grow into the winter.
