Comments on: A Complete List of Cool Season Vegetables

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:56:37 +0000

In reply to Kathy.

Here’s a link to a video I did on this topic:
https://youtu.be/evFzqDwdvfU

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:28:20 +0000

In reply to Rick. Am I confused? The CTgardengal mentioned "I’ve tinkered with row tunnels, usually using fabric and steel hoops, and many times I’ve come out after a snowfall to find the hoops crushed by the weight of the snow and the plants broken beneath them.". Is that NOT the same as what you suggest? IF NOT, please lead me to your information on hoop houses and cold frames. It would be nice to have building instructions. Thanks!

By: Richard Griffin

Richard Griffin — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:06:29 +0000

Thanks Rick- always a pleasure to read your material.

By: Carmen

Carmen — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 21:58:41 +0000

What about germination temps? Which vegs need warmer temps to get going, then tolerate cold temps after hardening off vs those that prefer cold soil and direct seed into frosty temps?
I know root crops generally dont transplant well.

By: Tasha

Tasha — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:11:29 +0000

Newbie here! I’m trying to do a small fall/winter garden this year, but it’s all in containers. One thing I don’t really understand is in regards to harvesting greens during winter, that would normally be cut and come again in spring/summer (eg lettuce, spinach, arugula, bok choy). If I only harvest the outer leaves of the plants during winter, do the plants re-grow over winter? If not, how does one continually harvest during winter, without essentially harvesting the entire plant? Hope this makes sense!

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:40:59 +0000

In reply to Monica Carter. You will want to wait until the frost comes. and even then you will need to manage the temperature in your hoops to keep it below 80 degrees if possible.

By: Monica Carter

Monica Carter — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:04:25 +0000

Thank you for your articles!! I have my cool crops in and I just put metal hoops in. But when do I actually cover them? While it’s still warm or wait til it frosts? Thank you!

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:41:27 +0000

In reply to Rick. Thank you for the info!! I will work on what I have now and get through the hot months. It's already in the 80's here so the humidity is coming! :)

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:28:45 +0000

In reply to Amy. Hi Amy! I'm always happy to help. Based on what I know about NC you are almost out of your cool season. Normally you start planting cool season crops 4-6 weeks before your last frost. Right now you could still probably plant lettuce and other greens and they would be fine. Sweet potatoes ARE NOT a cool-season crop. They are frost sensitive and you have to wait until after your last frost to plant those. Red potatoes and carrots would still be okay to plant as they are warmer than cool season. Garlic is planted in the fall so don't worry about it this year, plant some this coming fall for a harvest next summer. I also feel like you might be a little late for onions, I planted mine a month ago and I'm in a colder zone than you. My suggestion for you is to start focusing on warm-season crops right now. Tomatoes, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, and corn. Then worry about your cool-season crops again when the fall gets closer. As a new gardener, I think you would love The Gardening Academy. Check it out here www.thegardeningacademy.com

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 02 May 2022 19:32:17 +0000

Good afternoon,
I am new to being serious about gardening and live in NC. My plants, thus far, are doing great and nothing serious as been chewing on them. My question is when should I start thinking about my cool weather garden? I don’t want to miss out or time it poorly. I’d like to have sweet potatoes, red potatoes, carrots, radishes, onions, cabbage and garlic. Are these beginner friendly? 🙂 I apologize for the newbie questions.