I cannot believe this is our fourth season planting the two 4’x4′ raised vegetable beds. We learn something new each year, usually by screwing something up, and adjust. We also try something new whether it be vegetable or approach each year. This growing season is no exception.

This past weekend I sketched out the planting plans for the two beds. We would have liked to plant as well, but I am a weenie and whined about the miserably cold and damp weather. However, now is the time in Zone 6a to plant cool season crops. Everything we are growing this year can be direct sown into the soil of the beds. I know some gardeners who have already done so the weekend before. Here’s what is on the list to plant as soon as we are able:

• Teton Hybrid Spinach
• Melting Sugar (Snow Peas)
• Red Cored Chantenay Carrots
• French Breakfast Radishes
• Hybrid Granex Yellow Onions
• Evergreen Long White Bunching Onions
• All Season Butterhead Mix Lettuce
• Hollow Crown Parsnips

Cool Season Crops

The seeds of these cool season vegetable plants germinate in soil temperatures of about 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants such as lettuce, peas, and onions can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the plants grow best in the cooler spring and fall weather and can tolerate some mild frost. They cannot tolerate hot weather, and will usually bolt (go to seed) by the end of June in our zone.

So, this makes for interesting planting in the veggie beds. Peas grown right now will eventually be replaced by cucumbers, which is a warmer season crop. Spinach will make way for pepper plants and basil. Then when fall begins it’s approach in mid to late August, another round of cool season crops can be planted! We’ve not done this before with our raised beds, but I’d love to give it a try this year.

Are you growing any cool season crops this year? Which are your favorite?