These are just a few varieties of vegetables and their care guides! We learn more during Garden with Najet vegetable teaching classes on how to take care of each cool weather crops! Root vegetables such as turnips, kohlrabi, rutabaga, radish, carrots, beets, and potatoes are cool weather crops here in Zone 8a. Because our climate in the summer is so hot, this allows us to grow root vegetables in the fall and spring. We also can plant broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco, arugula, lettuce, kale, cabbage, swiss chard, and mustards.
Arugula
Germination Time: 7 to 10 days
Planting Depth: 1/8
Speed Spacing: 1 inch, 4 inch rows
Harvest Time: 45
Sunlight: Partial
Pot Variety: 12+
Arugula is a peppery salad green that thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Sow arugula seeds directly in a pot, raised garden bed, or simply your in ground garden, in early spring or late summer, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade in hot climates. Arugula can easily bolt, which means it will stem upward and flower, causing the leaves to turn bitter. However, once the arugula does flower, patches can form due to seeds dropping, which will allow for more arugula plants. Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender, typically 4-6 weeks after sowing.
Broccoli
Growing broccoli can be a rewarding experience, providing you with nutritious and delicious heads of this versatile vegetable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow broccoli successfully:
Choose the Right Variety
Broccoli comes in various types, including heading broccoli and sprouting broccoli. Choose a variety that suits your climate and growing conditions. Some popular varieties include Waltham #29, De Cicco, Calabrese, Romanesco, and Purple Sprouting broccoli.
Start Indoors or Direct Sow
Broccoli can be started from seeds indoors or directly sown into the garden. If starting indoors, plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Use seedling trays or pots filled with potting mix, and keep them in a warm, sunny location.
Transplanting
Once your broccoli seedlings have developed several true leaves and the weather has warmed up, they can be transplanted into the garden. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Spacing
Plant broccoli seedlings about 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease.
Soil Preparation
Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. Broccoli prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Broccoli requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time and side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer once the plants are established and actively growing. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote lush foliage growth at the expense of broccoli head development.
Pest and Disease Management
Monitor your broccoli plants regularly for signs of pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Handpick pests or use organic insecticides if necessary. Practice crop rotation to minimize disease buildup in the soil.
Harvesting
Broccoli heads are ready for harvest when the florets are tightly packed and firm. Harvest the main head by cutting it 5-6 inches below the head, leaving the plant intact to produce side shoots for additional harvests. Be sure to harvest before the buds start to open, as over-mature broccoli can become tough and bitter.
Post-Harvest Care
After harvesting, store broccoli heads in the refrigerator for up to a week. Properly stored broccoli can also be blanched and frozen for longer-term storage.
Carrots
Germination Time: 8 to 25 days
Planting Depth: 1/2
Speed Spacing: 2 to 3 inches
Harvest Time: 60 to 80
Sunlight: Full
Pot Variety: 12+
Carrots are root vegetables prized for their sweet, crunchy texture and vibrant color. There are so many different types of carrots to choose from. I carefully crafted special charts to help you decide what type of carrot you will like based on taste and color, which can be found here on Carrot Seed Guide. Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil free of rocks and debris. Carrots like a fine grained loose soil to properly develop without being deformed. Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden bed in early spring or late summer, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist to promote even germination and growth. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, and cover the garden bed with mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size, typically 60-80 days after sowing.
Cabbage
Cabbage, a cool-season vegetable, is not only delicious but also a versatile addition to any garden. From coleslaw to sautés and soups, cabbage offers culinary flexibility along with its nutritional benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully grow cabbage in your garden:
Choose the Right Variety
- Decide on the cabbage variety you want to grow. Common types include green, red, savoy, and napa cabbage.
- Consider the size and maturity time of the cabbage variety based on your garden space and climate.
Prepare the Soil
- Cabbage thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Before planting, amend the soil with garden bed soil and mushroom compost to improve fertility and structure.
- Ensure the soil is loose and free from rocks and debris to encourage proper root development.
Planting
- Start cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 3-4 true leaves.
- Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly in the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed.
- Space cabbage plants 12-18 inches apart in rows with 18-24 inches between rows to allow ample room for growth.
Sunlight and Water
- Cabbage requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Ensure your garden site receives adequate sunlight.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during dry periods.
- Water at the base of the plants to prevent fungal diseases and encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
- Cabbage is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer or side dress with compost or aged manure every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of cabbage head formation
Pest and Disease Management
- Monitor cabbage plants regularly for pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers.
- Handpick pests when possible or use organic insecticides if infestations are severe.
- Practice crop rotation and remove plant debris to minimize disease pressure, especially from fungal diseases like clubroot and black rot.
Harvesting
- Cabbage heads are ready for harvest when they feel firm and reach the desired size, typically 50-100 days after planting.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage heads at the base, leaving a few outer leaves attached to protect the inner layers.
- Harvest cabbage early in the morning for the best flavor and storage quality.
Storage
- Store harvested cabbage in a cool, humid environment such as a root cellar or refrigerator.
- Keep cabbage heads unwashed and loosely wrapped in plastic or placed in perforated plastic bags to retain moisture.
- Properly stored cabbage can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the variety and storage conditions.
Kale
Visit my customized kale chart for different species and growing procedures, shown here:
My in depth youtube video on growing kale can be found here:
Germination Time: 7 to 14 days
Planting Depth: 1/4
Speed Spacing: 8 to 12 inches
Harvest Time: 50 to 60
Sunlight: Full/Partial
Pot Variety: 12+
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is easy to grow and highly adaptable. Sow kale seeds directly in the garden bed in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade in hot climates to prevent bolting. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth and prevent bitterness.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, with its unique appearance and mild, sweet flavor, is a delightful addition to any garden. This cool-season vegetable belongs to the cabbage family and is prized for its edible bulbous stem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing kohlrabi successfully in your garden:
Selecting Varieties
- Choose kohlrabi varieties suited to your climate and growing conditions. Common types include Early White Vienna and Purple Vienna.
- Consider the size and maturity time of the kohlrabi variety based on your garden space and preferences.
Preparing the Soil
- Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as mushroom compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Remove rocks and debris from the soil to provide a conducive environment for root growth.
- Kohlrabi requires a loose soil.
Planting
- Start kohlrabi seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed a few true leaves.
- Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly into the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed.
- Plant kohlrabi seeds or seedlings 6-8 inches apart in rows with 12-18 inches between rows to allow ample space for bulb development.
Sunlight and Water
- Kohlrabi prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, providing about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry periods.
- Mulch around kohlrabi plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time to provide essential nutrients for kohlrabi growth.
- Side dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost halfway through the growing season to support healthy foliage and bulb development.
- Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this may result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of bulb formation.
- Top the garden bed with leaves or straw to lock in soil moisture throughout the season.
Pest and Disease Management
- Monitor kohlrabi plants regularly for common pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
- Handpick pests when possible or use organic insecticides as needed to control infestations.
- Practice crop rotation and remove plant debris to minimize disease pressure, particularly from fungal diseases like powdery mildew and clubroot.
Harvesting
- Kohlrabi bulbs are ready for harvest when they reach the size of a tennis ball, typically 40-60 days after planting.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the kohlrabi bulb at ground level, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.
- Remove any fibrous or woody skin before consuming kohlrabi, as younger bulbs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
Storage
- Store harvested kohlrabi bulbs in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Remove any leaves attached to the bulb and store them separately.
- Kohlrabi bulbs can also be blanched and frozen for longer-term storage and later use in soups, stews, or stir-fries.
Mizuna
Mizuna is a Japanese mustard green with a mild, peppery flavor that thrives in cool weather. I prefer mizuna to regular lettuce due to its texture and flavor. Sow mizuna seeds directly in the garden bed in early spring or late summer, spacing them about 4 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade in hot climates. Harvest mizuna leaves when they are young and tender, typically 3-4 weeks after sowing.
Mustards
Selecting Varieties
Choose mustard green varieties suited to your climate and preferences. Common types include green mustard, red mustard, and mizuna.
Preparing the Soil
Mustard greens thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with mushroom compost to improve fertility and structure.
Planting
Directly sow mustard green seeds in the garden bed in early spring or late summer, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart in rows with 12-18 inches between rows. Ensure the soil is consistently moist for germination.
Sunlight and Water
Mustard greens prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, providing about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time to provide essential nutrients. Side dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer halfway through the growing season to promote healthy foliage.
Pest and Disease Management
Monitor plants regularly for pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Use organic insecticides as needed. Remove plant debris to minimize disease pressure, particularly from fungal diseases like downy mildew.
Harvesting
Mustard greens are ready for harvest when leaves are young and tender, typically 3-4 weeks after sowing. Use scissors to cut leaves from the outer portion of the plant, allowing the center to continue growing.
Storage
Store harvested mustard greens in the refrigerator for up to one week. Rinse leaves thoroughly and pat dry before storing in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Onions
Growing onions successfully requires careful attention to planting, soil preparation, watering, and harvesting. To start, select onion varieties suitable for your region and preferences, such as red, white, or yellow onions, and short day or long day. Begin by preparing the soil, ensuring it is well-drained, loose, and fertile with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter like mushroom ocmpost to improve soil structure and fertility.
When planting onions, choose either onion sets or seeds. Plant onion sets in early spring, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows with 12-18 inches between rows. For seeds, sow them directly into the garden bed in early spring, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist to aid germination, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Once the seedlings start, place mulch, hay, or leaves over the garden bed to lock in moisture.
Onions thrive in full sun, so ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Water onions regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, particularly during dry spells. Mulch around the base of onion plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilize onions periodically with a balanced fertilizer or side dress with compost throughout the growing season to promote healthy bulb development. Monitor for pests such as onion thrips and onion maggots, and employ organic pest control methods as needed.
As onions mature, watch for signs of readiness for harvest. When the tops begin to yellow and fall over, it’s time to harvest. Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs and gently lift them from the ground. Allow harvested onions to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for several days until the outer skins are dry and papery.
After curing, trim the tops and roots of the onions and store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Properly stored onions can last for several months, providing a fresh supply for your culinary endeavors.