In growing zones one and two growing a garden can be difficult. You need a high performance garden to truly take advantage of the short season. The seasonal temperatures will only allow for a cool season garden even in the summer. This can discourage some people from extending their growing season into the fall. This is completely possible for you in your garden! Even if you do not grow in zones one and two these skills for growing in cooler temperatures are priceless to your gardening education.  In growing zones one and two it is best to look at growing short term produce  as a frost could come in at anytime. Watch the video to find out my favorite leafy greens to grow in these gardens and and the protection methods you will need to have your garden succeed. As an added bonus join us in one of our winter greenhouses to learn how to sprout. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

So for zones 1 and 2. In your area you are always in a cool season garden. You can start a fall crop in August but you should expect a frost at any time. The best option for extending your growing season is to grow in a greenhouse, cold frame, with covers for your plants or in pots that you can bring inside. In the next few weeks we will discuss frost protection for your plants. If you are ready to begin today I would recommend learning how to build an easy trellis. This easy trellis can be built to support covers for your plants for the cooler seasons as well.

The recommended plants for growing zones one and two are, Arugula, Claytonia, Vit, Beet Greens, Swiss Chard, Bok Choy, Kale, Lettuce, Mustards and Spinach. When you are buying your organic seeds I recommend Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Seed Savers Exchange. I’ve bought my seeds from them for decades and have never once had a problem.

The best time to start your seeds is in July and to transplant into the garden in August. Or you can direct sow the seeds into your garden in August. You can grow outside until the temperatures consistently start hitting 25 deg at night. The kale will withstand the most frost. I have taken kale down to 16 deg. F and it was still pickable when it thawed out. One thing you need to know is to not touch your plants when they are frozen. Let them thaw out completely before you harvest.

Get started on your cool season gardening adventures! No matter where you are on the world, take advantage of your growing season and grow those cool or warm weather plants. As you grow today, begin dreaming of your garden of tomorrow. Will it be weed free, productive and organic? If you are searching for the productive efficient garden learn more about the High Performance Garden System. You will thank me later!

Until next time may your garden be easy, fun, productive and always organic!

Lynn

Email Lynn any questions you have growing in a cool climate. A garden is possible wherever grass grows, and even more possible in a high performance garden system!