Dates for fall / winter plantings?

yosoypanadero 7/5/2011, 2:14 pm

I was making a list of crops to start planting for the fall and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a good planting date for the following veggies:

lettuce
collards
broccoli
cabbage
spinach
peas
chinese cabbage
chard
carrots
basil
kohrabi

I know that some of these are not frost resistant but I have ways to cover nearly everything on this list. And, btw, I live just south of Cincinnati for regional reference....

BackyardBirdGardner 7/5/2011, 4:25 pm

I will tell you in terms of "weeks before fall frost."

lettuce 7-10 weeks
collards cool weather tolerant to a degree, anytime now for fall
broccoli 12-16 weeks
cabbage 12-16 weeks
spinach 6-9 weeks
peas 8-12 weeks
chinese cabbage 8-10 weeks, maybe as late as 6 weeks
chard grows well anytime in most climates (anytime in the midwest)
carrots anytime right up to about 8 weeks before fall frost
basil not a cool season herb
kohrabi 6-10 weeks

Your experiences may differ, but this will give you a start.

Enjoy the enjoyment!

yosoypanadero 7/5/2011, 4:44 pm

Thanks a ton! That is perfect.....I only have one other question.... do you have to cover carrots for the frost?

BackyardBirdGardner 7/5/2011, 5:04 pm

From what I understand, no. That are pretty frost hardy as it is, but since they are root crops, you don't need to worry about much. Like anything, though, they will likely slow down a lot, or nearly stop growing, when the weather drops below the mid-40s. So, plant them early enough to get a harvest from them. I don't know many in our area that can get them to overwinter. But, just cause I've not really heard of it doesn't mean it can't be done.....if anyone is up to the challenge.

I guess I should add that if this were spring, I would say yes to covering them. Seedlings are more vulnerable than plants that have already been in the ground for several weeks.

Mamachibi 7/5/2011, 5:43 pm

If you're in a "holler" in Kentucky where the ground freezes, it helps to mulch carrots with some straw so the ground doesn't freeze. Then you can dig them all winter as you like.

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Dates for fall / winter plantings?

Dates for fall / winter plantings?

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