Cold Weather Crops: What They Are and the Easiest Ones to Grow
I never think the gardening season is long and feel a bit sad when it’s time to put the tools away for the winter. However, if you’re looking to extend your growing season, cold weather crops offer an excellent opportunity to keep fresh produce coming, even when temperatures drop in the fall and haven’t quite warmed up in the spring. Many vegetables not only tolerate cool weather but actually thrive in it. In this post, we’ll discuss what cold weather crops are, the easiest ones to start, and how you can even extend your growing season into the fall for a more productive garden.
What Are Cold Weather Crops?
Cold weather crops, also known as cool-season vegetables, are plants that grow best in lower temperatures, typically thriving in early spring, late fall, and even winter in some climates. We won’t really touch on what can survive in the winter since winters in Zone 6B are too cold for that and I don’t have experience doing any winter growing. These crops are naturally adapted to withstand frost and, in some cases, light snow. Unlike heat-loving plants such as tomatoes and peppers, cold weather crops prefer cool soil and mild sun exposure, making them ideal for gardeners who want to make the most of the gardening season.
These crops fall into two general categories:
- Frost-Tolerant Crops: These vegetables can handle light frosts (around 28–32°F) and include plants like lettuce, carrots, and peas.
- Frost-Hardy Crops: These can withstand even harsher temperatures (below 28°F) and include Brussels sprouts and certain root vegetables.
By choosing the right crops and planning accordingly, you can harvest fresh vegetables for an extended period, even as temperatures drop.
Planting in Zone 6b
I always like to touch a bit on what zone I grow in and how that effects what cold crops I personally can grow. Gardeners like me in Zone 6b experience cold winters with average minimum temperatures between -5°F and 0°F. This means that many cold-weather crops can grow well into late fall and even early winter with proper protection. Lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes can all thrive when planted in late summer or early fall, and some can even overwinter with mulch or row covers. I haven’t tried to overwinter crops but I think it’s still important to mention since the possibility is there. Peas can be planted early in the spring, as soon as the soil is workable, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. Starting certain crops indoors, like lettuce and spinach, ensures a strong start before transplanting them outside. Knowing your first and last frost dates can help you plan accordingly for a successful cool-season garden. My last frost is May 1st so many of these things I can start to grow directly outside in April.
The Easiest Cold Weather Crops to Start
If you’re new to gardening or just want reliable crops that require minimal effort, here are some of the easiest cold weather vegetables to grow:
- Lettuce (Beginner-Friendly-Vegetable)
Lettuce is one of the easiest cold-weather crops to grow and can also be started inside. It thrives in cool temperatures and grows quickly, meaning you can enjoy fresh greens in just a few weeks. Some of the best varieties for cold weather include:
- Winter Density (butterhead/romaine hybrid)
- Oak Leaf (loose-leaf variety)
- Rouge d’Hiver (red romaine with excellent cold tolerance)
Lettuce does well in both garden beds and containers, making it a versatile choice for any gardener. For an early start, begin lettuce seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last expected frost.
- Spinach (Beginner-Friendly-Vegetable)
Spinach is another cold-hardy green that actually prefers chilly weather. It grows fast, and with a little protection, it can survive light frosts. Some cold-tolerant varieties include:
- Bloomsdale (classic heirloom variety)
- Giant Winter (slow to bolt, perfect for cooler temps)
- Tyee (great for fall and early winter growing)
Sow spinach seeds directly in the soil about six weeks before the first frost for a fall harvest. You can also start spinach indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting outside.
- Carrots (Easy to Grow Vegetable, Sweetens in Cold Weather)
Carrots are a great root vegetable for fall and winter gardening. The cold weather enhances their natural sweetness, making them even more delicious. Recommended varieties include:
- Napoli (fast-maturing)
- Danvers 126 (classic orange, sturdy variety)
- Cosmic Purple (beautiful and cold-tolerant)
Plant carrots in late summer or early fall for a late-season harvest. A layer of mulch can help insulate the roots as temperatures drop. Carrots are best started directly in the garden and do not require an indoor start. If you do want to try inside, make sure to use deeper pots so there is ample room to grow down. Personally, I just start them outside.
- Radishes (Beginner-Friendly-Vegetable & Fast-Growing)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, maturing in as little as three to four weeks. They thrive in cool temperatures and are perfect for beginner gardeners. Some good varieties for cool weather include:
- French Breakfast (mild flavor, crisp texture)
- Daikon (great for winter harvests)
- Cherry Belle (classic round red radish)
Plant radishes in early fall for a quick harvest before winter arrives. Radishes grow best when sown directly outdoors rather than started indoors. While you can try to start them inside, I don’t necessarily recommend it since they grow so fast anyways!
- Peas (Cold-Tolerant & Great for Beginners)
Peas are cold-tolerant legumes that do well in both early spring and late fall. They require minimal maintenance and grow quickly. The best varieties for cooler weather include:
- Sugar Ann Snap Peas (delicious, early-maturing variety)
- Oregon Sugar Pod (snow peas with excellent cold tolerance)
- Green Arrow (shelling peas with great yields)
Peas do best when planted in cool soil and will continue growing until the first hard frost. For an early jumpstart, plant pea seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting outside. These are ones you don’t want to start too early inside since they are climbers you’ll run into issues if they get too big.
Extending Your Growing Season Into Fall and Winter
If you want to maximize your growing season, you can use a few strategies to keep your crops thriving longer:
- Use Row Covers or Cold Frames: These help trap heat and protect plants from frost. These can be taken off daily if the weather is nice and put back on agian for night.
- Apply Mulch: A thick layer of mulch insulates the soil, keeping root crops like carrots warm.
- Plant Successively: Sowing seeds at different intervals ensures a continuous harvest. This should be done in the spring and fall to get the most out of the growing season, this is especially important if you want to grow enough to store or can!
- Choose Hardy Varieties: Some vegetable varieties are specifically bred for cold tolerance and can extend your growing season. It’s always a great idea to read the seed packs and do your research before diving in.
Even in the dead of winter, you can harvest some of these cold-hardy crops with the right protection. Again, I have no experience on this but I am happy to dig in and find some research if you want! Just add a comment or send me a message and I will do my best to help.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather crops offer a fantastic way to keep your garden producing fresh vegetables even as temperatures drop or before they rise. Many of these vegetables are easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Whether you’re planting spinach for fall salads, harvesting sweet carrots before summer hits, or enjoying crisp radishes, extending your growing season has never been easier!
By planning ahead, starting some plants indoors or in the late summer, and selecting the right crops, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce long past the traditional gardening season.