It's almost April, and weather willing, I'll be moving some of the hardier veggies from the greenhouse to the garden. I've not found a comprehensive source of information about veggies that can withstand frost, and whether or not they can stand a hard frost of light frost.
From experience, I know that lettuce, Asian greens (pac choi, komatsuma, mizuna and mibuna) Chinese cabbage, and cabbage do pretty well with light frosts, and are fine if I cover them with a floating row cover for a hard frost).
What about onions, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards? Anyone know about these?
Thanks.
Oh, I live in Upstate New York and even though our last frost date is supposedly May 15, I live on a hill and generally am running around covering things because that final frost likes to sneak in around Memorial Day.
Veggies that can withstand frost
I've overwintered onions and cauliflower with temps down to the mid 20s. I have no idea what their limits are but I read somewhere that cauliflower is more susceptible than the other cole crops in general. I suspect they were talking about exposed heads though because mine had good leaf cover and are only now heading up about fist size. I put them in too late and they mostly just sat there all winter.
The brassicas, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard , turnips. kohlrabi etc are good down to to the lower 20's. So are radishes, spinach, beets, English pea group, carrots, onions. They become a little more vulnerable when undergoing rapid growth like heading or blooming. I never have a problem except with fall plantings, when they are caught in production by an early freeze.
A fall planted cauliflower that got caught!
Gee, fd - he don't look so happy!!! Thanks for the responses - good question! I knew about the onions, as I was recently informed that our onions would do better up here if planted in the fall and left to emerge as they will.
I've got my radishes, lettuse and peas in, but didn't know that I could put out the carrot and beet seeds, as well.
Excellent!
all good to know..I have been trying to find that info myself, as I am planning on getting the veggie plot in gear this next week..apparently I am even behind on a few things.
Oh, and what about brussel sprouts? I am trying to grow some of those for my dear Fiance this year..
Brussel Sprouts are about as cold tolerant as they come. I did not mentioned it because I prefer to harvest Brussels Sprouts, like collards after a light freeze when they will have a much sweeter flavor. I only do fall plantings of these.
Ahh, that makes sense:)
Thanks!
Thanks so much for this helpful information. It means I can spread out my planting much better. Thanks Farmerdill!