7 Cold Hardy Vegetable Plants for Suburban Gardens

Don’t become intimidated by the cold temperatures! You can still plant plenty of cold hardy crops that can thrive in the cooler temperatures. You too can keep your suburban garden productive and producing even during chilly months. As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, many suburban gardeners start to think about winding down their gardening activities. However, by selecting cold hardy crops, you can extend your growing season well into the cooler months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are seven crops that like being in cooler temperatures and might make a good fit for your suburban garden!

Kale – Yummy Kale! Kale is known for its resilience and nutritional value, you can consider Kale as a superstar in the world of cold hardy crops! It can withstand frost and even becomes a bit sweeter after a cold snap. Varieties like ‘Winterbor’ and ‘Red Russian’ are particularly well-suited for cooler climates.

Carrots – Who doesn’t love carrots?! Familiar favorites like Carrots are root vegetables, not only do they tolerate cold temperatures but actually improve in flavor when exposed to frost. You can plant carrot seeds in late Summer or early Fall for a late harvest. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ and ‘Danvers’ are reliable choices for cooler climates.

Spinach – An all time favorite! With its tender leaves and rich flavor, spinach is a staple in any cold hardy suburban garden! Sow spinach seeds in late Summer or early Fall for a continuous harvest throughout the cooler months. Look for varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Tyee’ that are bred for cold tolerance. Your suburban garden can’t miss out on having spinach!

Brussels Sprouts – While Brussels sprouts take a bit longer to mature, they are well worth the wait. These mini cabbages thrive in cool temperatures and may become sweeter after a frost similar to carrots. Plant Brussels sprouts in early Summer for a late Fall or Winter harvest. Brussel sprouts make great cold hardy crops!

Lettuce – We can’t forget about the vegetable everyone likes on their salad! Certain varieties of lettuce, such as ‘Winter Density’ and ‘Arctic King’, are specifically bred for cold tolerance. Plant lettuce seeds in late Summer or early Fall for a steady supply of fresh greens throughout the cooler months. Lettuce can be grown in containers or directly in the garden bed! Growing lettuce in containers is convenient for smaller suburban backyards!

Swiss Chard – With its colorful stems and hearty leaves, Swiss chard is both ornamental and delicious. This versatile green can be harvested throughout the cooler months, making it a valuable addition to any cold-hardy garden. Varieties like ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ are popular choices for suburban gardens!

Turnips – Both the roots and the greens of turnips are edible and can withstand cold temperatures. You can sow turnip seeds in late Summer or early Fall for a late Fall or Winter harvest. Varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ and ‘Hakurei’ are well-suited for cooler climates.

There are additional cold hardy crops that weren’t mentioned here, choose the kind that works best for your suburban garden. There are also semi hardy crops, it’s important to know which crops are cold hardy and which are warm season crops.

By incorporating these cold hardy crops into your suburban garden, you can enjoy fresh produce long after Summer has ended. Cold hardy plants can be your friends during the colder months! Remember to provide adequate protection, such as row covers or cold frames, during particularly harsh weather to ensure a successful harvest. With a little planning and care, you can keep your garden thriving throughout the cooler months. You can also seed start cold hardy crops indoors and move them to a greenhouse outside. Regardless of what you choose cold hardy crops are a great addition to any suburban garden, don’t miss out during the Winter months!

Like what you’re reading? Are you ready to take it to the next level?! You can do so with our free, downloadable guide! Click here to get your copy now and start your garden today.

Was this helpful? Please share so other new gardeners can enjoy it too!