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| Photo: Wyatt Koeniger |
If you’re like me, you struggle to know what is a cool season vegetable and when to plant it; it is also hard to know what's “COOL” in Colorado. Surprisingly, there are many different cool crops to grow that can satisfy the most discerning palate. Some reasons to try cool season veggies yourself are:
· Late spring frost won’t hurt them
· Some are perennials
· Able to be grown at higher elevations
· Extended growing season
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| Photo: Pixabay |
Late frosts have always plagued the Colorado gardener. Most have experienced planting crops around Mother’s Day only to have a frost a week or two later wipe them out. Cool season crops, while are not completely immune, do provide some protection from frost and snows.
Another perk is many cool season veggies are perennials: asparagus, chives, horseradish, rhubarb and shallots all will return the following year with the proper management of weeding, watering only when dry and proper fertilizing.
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| Beet Seed Tape - Photo: Wyatt Koeniger |
With reduced need for sunshine or warmth cool season crops are some of the earliest plants grown, as well as extending the growing season for gardeners along the front range.
CSU recommends broccoli, cauliflower, onions, kohlrabi, potatoes, peas, the perennials, leaf and root crops. Just read the seed package label and give it a try!
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| Photos: Wyatt Koeniger |
More information at CSU Plant Talk
Disclaimer: Jefferson County Master Gardener does not endorse any commercial products. Mention of products in articles, photographs, or videos does not mean endorsement.
