If you're like me it feels like, direct sown, early spring vegetables won't be here anytime soon. But that doesn't mean we can't plan like it will be tomorrow afterall soon is a relative term. Spring will be here in no time.
Early spring is a great time to get started on your garden, and one of the best ways to take advantage of spring is by planting early crops like salad greens. With a little bit of planning and care, you can start growing delicious and nutrient-rich salads even before the beginning of spring, giving you delicious harvests well into the warmer weather.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you plant in early spring. First, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. You can always employ shade techniques if your plants show sun stress. But you can't, short of installing giant lights, control the sun or it's natural warmth. If possible, try to find an area with some sort of protection from wind and severe weather, as this will help protect your young plants from high winds and chilling nighttime temperatures.
Season Extenders: Get a Jump Start on the Spring Growing Season
Spring fever may be in the air, but don't let that fool you - Mother Nature can still surprise us with late frosts. Extend your growing season and give those leafy greens a head start with these season extenders:
Start Seeds Indoors
One of the best ways to extend the spring garden season is to plant seeds indoors. By starting seeds indoors, you can get a head start on the growing season and have plants that are ready to be transplanted into the garden as soon as the weather warms up. There is always the potential for transplant shock, this occurs when a plant is moved from the safe environmentally controlled conditions in which its seed was first sown.
Protective Covers
Another way to extend the spring garden season is to use cloches or cold frames. Cloches are small, transparent covers that can be placed over individual plants to protect them from cold weather. Cold frames are larger structures that can be used to protect larger areas of the garden.
Use Mulch
Mulch is a material that can be placed around plants to help insulate them from extreme temperatures. Mulch helps to keep the soil warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can help to extend the growing season for both warm- and cool-weather crops.
Tell me the start of spring?
Early spring planting season is one of the most exciting times of year for gardeners, as it signals the start of warmer weather and the opportunity to get outside and start working on your garden. To know when early spring planting season starts in your area, you will need to keep an eye on local weather forecasts and seasonal calendars. Typically, spring planting season will begin when the average daytime temperatures start to rise above 40 degrees.
Once you know that spring planting season has arrived, it's time to get outside and start digging in the soil, preparing your garden beds for all of your favorite spring plants and flowers. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting, this is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature as it comes back to life after a long winter.
How do I know when it's OK to plant?
There are several different factors that you should take into account when deciding when it is ok to start planting in the spring. Some of these include the temperature, the amount and frequency of rainfall, the length of your frost-free season, and your local growing zone or climate.
One useful indicator that can help you determine if it is safe to plant is checking the nighttime temperatures. If they consistently stay above freezing, then this can be a good indication that spring has arrived and it is time to get started with planting. Additionally, paying attention to precipitation levels can also help you gauge whether it is a good time for planting or not. Ideally, you want to wait until there have been several consecutive days without rain before getting started since this can help prevent your plants from getting too waterlogged.
Other factors to consider when deciding if it is ok to start planting in spring include the length of your frost-free season and whether you are located in a particular growing zone or climate that may be more prone to early or late frosts. With careful planning and attention to these important considerations, you can ensure that your spring garden gets off to a successful start.
Warm Season vs Cool season vegetables?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of warm-season vs cool-season. Some people argue that warm-season vegetables, which typically thrive in warmer climates and grow best during the summer months, are more nutrient-rich than their cooler counterparts. Others maintain that cool-season veggies, which tend to do well in colder temperatures and prefer spring and fall growing seasons, are overall healthier for our bodies.
Ultimately, there is no clear answer to this question, as both types of vegetables have their unique nutritional benefits. Some people may find that they respond better to one type of vegetable than another, based on personal preferences or health conditions. At the end of the day, it is important to eat a varied diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cool-season vegetables are important for a variety of reasons. They are typically grown during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild, making them ideal for gardeners who live in regions with more extreme climates. These types of vegetables tend to be hardier than warm-season varieties, and they often have higher yields and longer growing periods. Additionally, many cool-season vegetables require less water and fertilizer than other crops, making them an efficient choice for those looking to maximize their yields while minimizing their environmental impact. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, incorporating cool-season vegetables into your garden is a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy produce all year long.
What is direct sowing?
Direct sowing is the process of planting seeds directly into the ground without first transplanting them into smaller pots or flats. This method has several advantages over transplanting, including faster germination times and less risk of damage to delicate young seedlings. Additionally, direct sowing allows gardeners to plant a wider range of crops that do not require transplantings, such as root vegetables and leafy greens. Whether you are new to gardening or an experienced gardener, direct sowing is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables all season long.
Start them early, but enjoy them for weeks
Many gardeners know that starting plants early can be an effective way to enjoy your harvest for a longer period. This is because plants that are started earlier in the season have more time to grow, allowing them to reach their full potential and produce more fruit or vegetables before the end of the growing season.
Of course, there are also other factors to consider when starting plants early. For example, you will need to pay close attention to things like soil temperature, watering needs, and pest management strategies to ensure that your plants thrive and can produce high yields even as they mature earlier than usual.
Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, starting very early spring vegetables can be a great way to enjoy your harvest for as long as possible. With careful planning and attention, you can help your plants thrive and produce the best possible yields, even when the growing season is shorter than usual. So why wait? Get started today and start reaping the benefits of an early harvest!
1. Arugula
Arugula is a cool season leafy green that has a peppery flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as on pizzas and sandwiches. Arugula is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
2. Radicchio
Radicchio is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as in pasta dishes and pizzas. Radicchio is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
3. Endive
Endive is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as in soups and stews. Endive is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
4. Escarole
Escarole is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as in soups and stews. Escarole is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
5. Frisée
Frisée is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as in soups and stews. Frisée is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
6. Belgian Endive
Belgian endive is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as in soups and stews. Belgian endive is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
7. Radicchio Treviso
Radicchio Treviso is a cool season leafy green that has a slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in salads, as well as on pizzas and sandwiches. Radicchio Treviso is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
8. Chicory
Chicory is a cool season leafy green that has blue flowers and a slightly bitter flavor. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Chicory greens are high in Vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting, and they also contain small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium Chicory leaves have been traditionally used to add flavor to coffee.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce comes in many different varieties including iceberg, romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce. It has a mild taste that becomes sweeter when it matures. Lettuce grows best during the cooler months of the year. It contains Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and magnesium.
10. Kale
Kale is a type of leafy green that is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and collard greens. The leaves of kale can be either green or purple, and the plant has a slightly bitter flavor. Kale can be direct sown in the spring and will be ready to harvest in about 60 days
Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, while also providing fresh fruits and vegetables for your family. Starting plants early can help you extend the growing season and enjoy your harvest for as long as possible. With careful planning and attention, you can ensure that your plants thrive and produce high yields, even when the growing season is shorter than usual. So why wait? Get started today and start reaping the benefits of an early harvest!