April 21, 2020

Cool Season Veggies: Plant Now for a Delicious Early Harvest

f you’ve been itching to get your hands in the soil, cool season vegetables are your sign to start planting. These early-season favorites don’t just tolerate chilly weather—they thrive in it.

From crisp greens to hearty brassicas, cool season crops are built for spring’s unpredictable temperatures. Think broccoli, lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, and more—all ready to get growing well before summer even begins.

Why Plant Cool Season Crops?

Cool season vegetables are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow, especially early in the season.

They:

• Prefer cooler soil and air temperatures
• Establish quickly and grow vigorously
• Deliver fresh, flavorful harvests early in the season
• Are great for both beginners and experienced gardeners

Getting them in the ground now means you’ll be harvesting while others are still waiting for summer crops to catch up.

What If It Gets Too Cold?

Spring weather in New England can be unpredictable, but most cool season veggies can handle a light frost without issue.

If temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, a little extra protection goes a long way:

• Cover plants with frost cloth, an old sheet, or even a cardboard box
• Move smaller pots or planters indoors overnight
• Remove covers during the day once temperatures warm up

With minimal effort, these hardy plants will bounce right back.

What Cool Season Vegetables Can You Grow?

Here’s a look at some of the cool season crops you’ll find in our stores this spring:

Leafy Greens

• Lettuce (Buttercrunch, Romaine, Mesclun mixes, and more)
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Swiss Chard

Brassicas (the cold lovers!)

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Brussels Sprouts
• Kale
• Collard Greens

Root Crops

• Beets
• Carrots

Other Spring Favorites

• Peas (snap, snow, and shelling types)
• Pak Choi

Please note: selection may vary by location.

Thinking Ahead to Summer?

While you’re planting your cool season crops, you’ll also start to see warm-weather favorites arriving in stores. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more are beginning to come in—and getting them early gives you the best selection.

It’s still a bit too cold to plant these outside just yet, but they can be started indoors in a sunny window or under a grow light. This gives them a strong head start so they’re ready to take off once the weather consistently warms up.

A Local Favorite

Many of our herbs and vegetable starts are grown right in our Woburn, MA greenhouses as part of our Uncle Mike’s line—so you’re getting plants that are already acclimated to New England growing conditions.

Ready to Get Growing?

Cool season vegetables are the perfect way to kick off the gardening season—simple to grow, resilient in the cold, and incredibly rewarding. Stop by your local Mahoney’s to explore what’s in stock, or shop online and start planting your early harvest today.