A cool season garden in zones 7-8 can be grown through the winter with a little bit of frost protection. In this latest high performance garden training video learn how to transform your garden into a high performer by learning how to extend the growing season. Even if you do not live in zones 7-8 you won’t want to miss this training video. There are techniques that you can use at different times of year depending on where you live. When you garden in zones 7-8 you will have long falls that will enable you to put in your cool season garden anytime the soil is not frozen. You will have the best luck if you plant before November 15th. Watch the video to learn more tips for starting your garden!
In my farm’s greenhouses the growing conditions are that of a garden in zones 7-8. To recap what you just watched in the video; it is important to make sure that your garden is protected if your goal is to grow through the winter. If I lived in zones 7 and 8 I would put in a raised bed garden on the south side of the house in a protected nook. I would also build a cold frame cover for the raised bed so I could shut the lid at night to retain heat and to keep the frost off on those few nights that you get really cold. I would also have a few blankets to throw over the cold frame in case you get a major storm. The easy trellis is a great way to protect the plants from the ravages of winter.
In a garden in zones 7-8 the best plants to grow are your list of unique leafy greens that you grow in any cool season garden as well as bok choy, kale, lettuce, mustards, cilantro and spinach. Greens are the best plants to grow in the winter but in your area you can try fall planted broccoli, cabbage and peas. Experiment around with different types of greens and lettuces. Winter Density is a type of lettuce that I have had the best luck with in the winter.
Another great plant that you can grow in the fall and winter is salad turnips. This cultivar of turnip is from Japan. You can eat the turnips and the leaves raw or cooked. Plant in the fall and you can start to harvest them when they are marble size. We have even harvested them up to baseball size and they are still great. These are not your grandmother’s turnips that are hot and spicy, these taste like radish apples, a far cry from the turnips of your youth. I get my seeds from Johnny’s selected seeds I usually order Hakurei which is white or you can get Scarlet Queen which has pink skin.
A garden in zones 7-8 will expand your horizons to year round growing. With these cool season garden tips you can begin to get started. So, get some seeds, build a raised bed if you can and have some fun in your new cool season garden.
Until next time may your garden be easy, fun, productive and always organic!
Lynn
Email me any questions you have about growing a garden in zones 7-8. Having the best garden you can have in your growing zone is my priority!
