Planting Cold Weather Crops

Gardening Plants

Planting Cold Weather Crops

August 10, 2012

As August first arrives on Cape Cod, many gardeners begin to think about planting cold weather crops. Due to the insulating effect of the Atlantic Ocean, we usually do not see a good frost until November. This means that we can grow one last set of crops before winter arrives.

Prior to setting out the seed store, we made a cold weather crop wish list. We turned it into a scavenger hunt for the kids. We would plant what we could find. Not only did they remember what was on the list, they also now have made the connection that these can grow in the cold. I love it when they learn things without even trying.

Cold Weather Crops

Carrots
Potatoes
Cilantro
Parsley
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Lettuce
Swiss Chard
Mixed Greens
Mustard Greens
Cabbage
Brussel Sprouts
Beets
Parsnips
Kale
Spinach

A few days ago, in the blistering heat, the kids and I prepped the raised beds by adding a fresh layer of compost. We use our own composted chicken manure from the girls mixed with a fresh layer of lobster compost. Yes, even lobsters are compostable! Surprisingly, gardening using only organic products and techniques has been much easier than I had imagined. Not only was it for the sake of the bees and the environment but also for my family. I love that there are companies out there that make going organic so easy.

This week during the mini-heat wave, the mustard greens began to sprout as well as the cilantro. The lettuce and greens should be ready by September and the rest of the crops sometime in October. This makes me a very happy girl. There is no where else in the world I would rather be than in the garden with dirty hands, curious kids and sweet chickens waddling about the yard.

This post is linked up to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop.

Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest

9 Comments

Melissa

Author/Blogger/Freelancer-Sharing adventures with backyard chickens, beekeeping, gardening, crafting, cooking and more.

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9 thoughts on “Planting Cold Weather Crops”

Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life

August 10, 2012 at 9:17 pm

Sounds like heaven to me too. We are in the 100s this week in SoCal so I am waiting to plant some fall crops.
Reply
- melissa
  
  August 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm
  
  I didn't know you were in SoCal. I used to live there too 🙂 I miss it so, next time I come out I'd love to visit. I used to love growing artichokes when I lived there!
  Reply
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes

August 11, 2012 at 1:00 am

What great information! I'll get some of those veggies in the ground a.s.a.p.!
Reply
- melissa
  
  August 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm
  
  I can't wait to hear what you decided to grow.
  Reply
From Beyond My Kitchen Window

August 11, 2012 at 11:41 am

I always make a batch of Portuguese Kale Soup in the fall. It is delicious and a good way to get some kale into my diet. Have a wonderful weekend!
Reply
- melissa
  
  August 11, 2012 at 12:36 pm
  
  Oh that does sound delicious. I'm going to have to take a visit to your blog and look for that recipe!
  Reply
AF

August 11, 2012 at 12:38 pm

We are just starting our very first garden this winter! We went and chatted with our local greenhouse/garden to find out what are the best crops to plant for this area. We are so excited to get it started in the next few weeks! I love your positive, friendly and helpful posts! 🙂
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- melissa
  
  August 11, 2012 at 12:40 pm
  
  Aww..you are so sweet. Thank you. I am so happy to hear that you find the posts helpful and that you are planning your garden. I am so excited for you and your family.
  Reply
Ellen

August 11, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Wow that is quite a list, but a good one. I didn't know potato's would be a cold weather crop? Mine were planted March 17 and we harvested them the end of June. We have canned some froze some and ate some, had Russet's, white and red. Ellen from Georgia
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