Cold Weather vs. Warm Weather Crops: What to Plant and When

As the seasons change, so should your garden. Understanding the difference between cold weather crops and warm weather crops is key to growing a productive garden year-round. Planting at the right time ensures that your vegetables thrive in the best conditions, giving you a bountiful harvest. Let’s dive into which crops belong in each category and when to plant them.

Cold Weather Crops

Cold weather crops thrive in cool temperatures, typically growing best in early spring or fall. These plants can withstand light frosts and, in some cases, even improve in flavor when exposed to cooler temperatures.

Examples of Cold Weather Crops:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula

• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips

• Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts

• Other Cool-Season Favorites: Peas, onions, leeks, garlic, and fennel

When to Plant Cold Weather Crops:

• Spring: Plant as soon as the soil is workable, usually 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

• Fall: Start seeds in late summer to early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.

• Starting Seeds Indoors: Start cold weather crop seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before your last expected frost date, then transplant them outside when temperatures are cool but not freezing. Get the FREE Indoor Seed Starting Guide HERE! And watch the Indoor Seed Starting Videos HERE!

• Planting Before the Last Frost: Some cold-hardy crops can be planted 2-6 weeks before the last frost date, as they tolerate or even benefit from cool temperatures:

  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula

  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips

  • Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts

  • Other Hardy Crops: Peas, onions, leeks, and garlic

  • Note: Peas thrive in cool soil, and spinach and kale can handle light frost and even snow. Cabbage and broccoli tolerate cold but may need protection from hard freezes.

Warm Weather Crops

Warm weather crops need higher temperatures to grow successfully. They are sensitive to frost and require warm soil and air temperatures to flourish. These crops are typically planted after the last frost in spring and grow through the summer months.

Examples of Warm Weather Crops:

• Fruiting Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and okra

• Squash Family: Zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons

• Beans and Corn: Green beans, pole beans, and sweet corn

• Heat-Loving Greens: Basil, amaranth, and Malabar spinach

When to Plant Warm Weather Crops:

• Spring to Early Summer: After the last frost, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. This is typically mid-to-late spring, depending on your region.

• Succession Planting: Stagger plantings of crops like beans and zucchini every few weeks to extend the harvest season.

• Starting Seeds Indoors: Warm weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant them outdoors once the weather is warm and frost risk has passed. Get the FREE Indoor Seed Starting Guide HERE! And watch the Indoor Seed Starting Videos HERE!

Planning Your Seasonal Garden

For a thriving year-round garden, plan your planting schedule based on your local frost dates. Use these general guidelines:

• Early Spring: Start cold weather crops first. If the ground is still frozen, begin indoors and transplant later.

• Late Spring to Summer: Transition to warm weather crops after the last frost.

• Late Summer to Fall: Begin replanting cold weather crops for a fall harvest.

By understanding the differences between cold and warm weather crops and knowing when to plant them, you can enjoy fresh produce from your garden in every season.

Happy planting!