15 Cold Tolerant Greens You Can Grow Before The Last Frost
The arrival of colder days doesn’t have to stop your gardening efforts. There are plenty of hardy greens that love the cool air and can grow well before the last frost. These plants offer both fresh flavors and the satisfaction of an early harvest.
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Spinach
Spinach is an excellent green for cool weather gardens. It thrives in temperatures as low as 40 degrees F and can be harvested early in the spring. This leafy vegetable is not only fast-growing but also packed with vitamins and minerals. For best results, sow spinach seeds directly into the soil a few weeks before the last frost.
Spinach can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. It’s known for its ability to handle light frost, which only makes it sweeter. Once harvested, spinach can be used in salads, soups, or smoothies. A well-drained soil and regular watering will ensure healthy growth.
Kale
Kale is another cold-tolerant green that gets sweeter with frost exposure. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees F, making it an ideal choice for early spring gardens. Plant kale seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost for the best results. Once established, it can continue to grow even in the cooler months.
Kale is packed with nutrients and can be harvested as needed. It’s also versatile in the kitchen, whether used raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. Its hardy nature means it doesn’t mind light frosts and actually improves in flavor. For maximum growth, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and water.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is another great option for cool weather gardening. It can survive frost and continue producing leaves throughout the early spring months. This vegetable is rich in vitamins A and K, making it a nutritious addition to any garden. Plant chard in soil that is well-drained, and give it regular waterings to thrive.
Its vibrant, colorful stems add beauty to your garden while the leaves are great for cooking. Swiss chard is low-maintenance and can tolerate a light frost, which makes it perfect for early-season planting. Harvest leaves as they grow to encourage continued production.
Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing, cold-tolerant green that can be harvested early in the spring. It thrives in cooler temperatures, and a light frost can even improve its peppery flavor. Plant arugula seeds directly in the soil a few weeks before the last frost. It grows quickly, meaning you’ll be enjoying fresh greens in no time.
This green is perfect for salads and adding flavor to dishes. It prefers slightly acidic soil and needs regular watering to grow well. Arugula is not only cold-tolerant but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great choice for gardeners who want to maximize their early harvests.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are well-suited for colder climates and can be planted before the last frost. These leafy greens grow quickly and have a spicy, mustard-like flavor. They tolerate frost and even thrive in temperatures as low as 30 degrees F, making them ideal for early spring planting. Mustard greens grow well in full sun and can be harvested quickly.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, mustard greens are a nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries. They prefer a slightly acidic, well-drained soil, and they should be watered regularly. This hearty green is perfect for gardeners looking to get an early jump on the growing season.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are known for their ability to withstand cold temperatures. They can be planted as early as 4 weeks before the last frost and will continue to grow as the weather warms up. Collard greens thrive in temperatures between 45 degrees F and 75 degrees F, making them perfect for early spring planting. Their sturdy leaves are packed with vitamins and are perfect for cooking.
Collards are relatively low-maintenance and require regular watering to keep the soil moist. They are ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable early spring crop. Even with frost, collard greens hold up well and develop a richer flavor. Harvest leaves as they grow for a steady supply throughout the season.
Mache (Lamb’s Lettuce)
Mache, also known as lamb’s lettuce, is a hardy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 40 degrees F and 60 degrees F and can be planted early in the season. This leafy green has a mild, nutty flavor and is often used in salads. Sow mache seeds directly into the soil before the last frost for an early harvest.
Mache is low-maintenance and can tolerate frost, often becoming sweeter after exposure to cold weather. It requires minimal care and is perfect for a beginner gardener. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and needs consistent moisture. It’s a great option for a cold-tolerant green that doesn’t take long to mature.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a cold-hardy leafy vegetable that can be grown early in the spring. It thrives in cool weather and can withstand frost, which helps bring out its bitter flavor. Plant radicchio 3-4 weeks before the last frost for the best results. Its striking red and white leaves also make it a beautiful addition to any garden.
Radicchio requires a sunny location and regular watering for optimal growth. It’s known for its slightly bitter flavor, which mellows out when cooked. The plant grows best in rich, well-drained soil and can handle frost without damage. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to try something new and flavorful.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest cold-tolerant greens to grow. It can handle cool temperatures and even frost, making it ideal for planting before the last frost. This leafy green is perfect for salads, offering a mild flavor and a crunchy texture. You can plant lettuce a few weeks before the last frost for an early harvest.
It prefers rich, well-drained soil and needs consistent moisture to grow. Lettuce is fast-growing and can be harvested once the leaves reach a desirable size. It’s perfect for early spring gardens and adds freshness to meals. Its cold tolerance makes it an excellent option for getting greens early in the season.
Endive
Endive is a cold-tolerant green that thrives in cool temperatures and can be planted a few weeks before the last frost. It has a slightly bitter flavor, which adds a unique taste to salads and cooked dishes. Endive can handle light frosts, and the cold weather actually enhances its flavor. Plant it in well-drained soil with regular waterings to ensure a healthy crop.
Endive is a great option for gardeners looking to add some variety to their cool-season greens. It prefers full sun and should be spaced well apart to allow for proper growth. This leafy vegetable grows well in early spring and can be harvested once the leaves are large enough to eat.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is another cold-hardy green that grows well in early spring. It thrives in cool temperatures and can be planted several weeks before the last frost. This vegetable is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries. Bok choy grows quickly, making it ideal for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh greens early.
Bok choy needs well-drained soil and regular water to thrive. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be harvested as soon as the leaves reach a good size. This vegetable is known for its mild flavor and crunchy texture. Its cold tolerance makes it a great choice for an early spring harvest.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a tangy, cold-hardy green that grows well in cooler temperatures. It’s perfect for planting early in the spring and can handle light frosts, which actually improve its flavor. Sorrel’s sharp, lemony flavor makes it a unique addition to salads and soups. Plant it a few weeks before the last frost for an early crop.
Sorrel grows best in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. It requires a sunny spot to thrive but is otherwise easy to care for. This perennial plant can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season. Its ability to tolerate frost makes it an excellent choice for early spring planting.
Tatsoi
Tatsoi is a hardy, Asian green that thrives in cool weather. It is an ideal option for early spring gardens, as it can withstand light frost and continues to grow in cooler temperatures. Tatsoi has a mild flavor similar to spinach, with a slightly earthy taste. Plant it before the last frost for a steady harvest of nutritious leaves.
Tatsoi grows well in rich, well-drained soil and prefers consistent moisture. It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. This green is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It’s a great choice for gardeners looking to grow something new and cold-tolerant in their early spring garden.
Cress
Cress is a fast-growing, cold-tolerant green that can be planted early in the season. It thrives in cool temperatures and is known for its peppery flavor, which adds a nice kick to salads and sandwiches. Cress can be grown in small spaces and doesn’t require much care. Plant it a few weeks before the last frost for a quick, flavorful harvest.
This green grows well in both soil and water, making it versatile for different garden setups. Cress needs consistent moisture to grow well and should be harvested as it matures. It is a great choice for gardeners looking for a quick and easy crop to grow before the frost.
Orach
Orach, also known as mountain spinach, is a colorful, cold-hardy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. It grows well before the last frost and is known for its bright green to red leaves. Orach has a mild spinach-like flavor and can be used in salads or cooked dishes. Sow seeds a few weeks before the last frost to enjoy an early harvest.
This hardy green prefers well-drained soil and benefits from consistent watering. It can tolerate light frost, which actually improves its flavor. Orach is easy to grow and is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to try something a little different. It adds vibrant color and nutrition to any early spring garden.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.