1. Lettuce
There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own vegetables and lettuce is just that vegetable. Looks as good as it tastes, lettuce doesn’t lose out on aesthetics as well as having a variety of textures and it is perfect for the frost. Last but not the least, some of the cold-hardy varieties are Winter Marvel or Bronze Minette, one of my all-time favorites.Mid-august to mid-september, there is a large gap, hence I prefer sowing lettuce seeds in intervals. On the plaza I start early in September, they are in seed cells as the garden has long stretches of hot days. In the latter half of September when the temperatures start plummeting and light reduces as well, I begin planting the seeds more closely together.
2. Spinach
Spinach is an ideal cut and come again green as you can prune the leaves at regular intervals. Space Spexample of one that germinates quickly, while other cold hardy varieties include Bloomsdale or Giant Winter Spinach which allows for year-round growth of this healthy green.
Pro Tip: For improved germination, remove spinach seeds from the packet and soak them in water for 24 hours before planting. Alternatively, mimic colder environments by placing the seeds in a refrigerator or freezer prior to planting, especially if the weather in your area is warm.
Spinach is an ideal cut-and-come-again green, as you can prune the leaves at regular intervals. Space spinach, for example, germinates quickly, while other cold-hardy varieties like Bloomsdale or Giant Winter Spinach allow for year-round growth of this healthy green.
3. Radishes
When it comes to asparagus beans, radishes are among the fastest ones, with some hot varieties taking only 25 days. Cold weather, interestingly enhances their flavor and somewhat sweetness, complimenting their taste. Rotational planting of radishes throughout the year would also ensure never ending supply of it, as well as combining types that mature at different times would strengthen your supply further.
4. Kale
It’s still not too late to plant kale even in the month of September, especially robust varieties such as Red Russian, White Russian or Scarlet Kale. Kale for instance does not require as long as time to grow like the other brussel types such as cabbage or cauliflower which are tending to grow as one large head, rather, it’s the leaves of kale that have to mature first and is ready to eat.
5. Beets
Beets are very frost resistant, and also they don’t fully mature, the greens are very delicious and nutritious. To ensure better equally spaced out and better aged crops, plant the beets 5-8 weeks in advance. Beets are very frost resistant too. However, row cover or a planting cause of a light frost should survive them.
6. Arugula
It helps that plants dense in nature are less likely to abrade (mature) during the fall season. Arugula is low in nitrate with a nutty flavor, thickening solid rows with the use of a row cover, helps promote growth through winter too. Ice bred Arugula is meant to be planted and grown in cold areas during the summer season.
7. Swiss Chard
Even if covered with light frost, Swiss Chard can be seen thriving during the winter along with some protection. This beautiful plant is almost as easy to grow as it is gorgeous. Yes, it has some very high nutrient value. Hence, if planted in time in September, it will bloom fast and easy.
8. Cilantro and Parsley
It’s not too late to start growing these herbs if you plant them in a pot, and as it is a fairly common herb, consider planting it now! And if you wish to grow them outdoors, wait till winter to bring the pots inside, near the window if possible. So you would never run out of herbs all through winter.
9. Carrots
Specific growing conditions aside, one can still attempt growing seeds like Mokum which are quick-maturing, cuts across the length of 48 days from seed to harvesting. It goes without saying the placing of a carrot board will heighten the chances of ideal germination.
10. Cold-Hardy Greens
With the passage of each season, you can consider sowing seeds of cold hardy breeds such as Bok Choy, Claytonia and Tatsoi. These greens are best to be planted in fall or winter season as they do well in moderate frost and little snow.
