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Common Spring/Fall Crops

(Care information at the bottom of page)

Arugula (Eruca sativa)
Level of Growing: Beginner
Common issues: flea beetle
Growing tips:

  • Will bolt in high-heat 

  • Frost-sensitive

  • Can perform well in a container

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea - Gongylodes Group)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season

  • Sensitive to heat

Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: flea beetle, aphids, powdery mildew, root rot
Growing tips:

  • Needs loose soil free of rocks and clumps

  • Light frost tolerant

  • Can perform well in a container

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Level of Growing: Beginner
Common issues: aphids, powdery mildew, slugs/snails
Growing tips:

  • Sensitive to hard frosts

  • Will bolt in hot temperatures

  • Can perform well in a container

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea - Italica Group)
Level of Growing: Expert
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season 

  • Frost tolerant

  • Sensitive to heat

Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)
Level of Growing: Beginner
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • Sensitive to hard frosts

  • Will bolt in hot temperatures

  • Considered invasive in some states if allowed to go to seed

  • Can perform well in a container

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea - Capitata Group)
Level of Growing: Expert
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season 

  • Frost tolerant

  • Pests can decimate crop

Onion (Allium cepa)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: overwatering, nutrient deficiency
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season; plant in early spring as sets (or seeds indoors in January) and harvest in mid-summer

Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: wireworm, aster yellow
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season 

  • Needs loose soil free of rocks and clumps of clay

Peas (Pisum sativum)
Level of Growing: Easy
Common issues: slugs, powdery mildew
Growing tips:

  • Best direct sown

  • Needs a trellis to grow on

  • Can perform well in a container

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea - Botrytis Group)
Level of Growing: Expert
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season 

  • Sensitive to heat

  • Frost tolerant

Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Level of Growing: Easy
Common issues: flea beetles, slugs
Growing tips:

  • Best direct sown

  • Fast growing

  • Bolts in heat

  • Can perform well in a container

Garlic (Allium sativum)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: root rot
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season (plant in fall; harvest in mid-summer) 

  • Can also harvest "scapes"

Shallots (Allium cepa)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: overwatering, nutrient deficiency
Growing tips:

  • Long growing season (plant in fall; harvest in mid-summer) 

  • Harvest time is similar to onions

Kale (Brassica oleracea - Acephala Group)
Level of Growing: Intermediate
Common issues: imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, harlequin bugs
Growing tips:

  • High pest pressure

  • Frost tolerant

  • Can perform well in a container

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Level of Growing: Beginner
Common issues: downy mildew, aphids, leaf miner
Growing tips:

  • Sensitive to frost

  • Will bolt in hot temperatures

  • Can perform well in a container

 

Quick Care Facts:

  • Many of the crops listed can be grown in spring and fall. They thrive in temperatures between 50-75oF and typically can handle light frosts

  • Some plants have a higher heat tolerance than others and may survive into summer. Some plants, like lettuce, will bolt in high heat and flavor will be affected negatively

  • Most of these plants are best grown when directly sowed. Others have a longer growing season and need to be started indoors (e.g.: cabbage, broccoli)

  • All of these crops need full sun for at least 6-8 hours; some may perform well in shade or solely morning sun during the summer months

  • Fertilizing:

    • Many crops grown in the cool-season are true vegetables (actual plant is consumed instead of the fruit) which do not require a higher concentration of phosphorous fertilizer

    • Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) for plants like leafy greens

    • Use a fertilizer higher in phosphorous (5-10-10) for plants that produce fruit and/or flowers (e.g.: broccoli, peas)

Level of Growing Definitions: 

  • Beginner 

    • Not much pest pressure 

    • Overall productive and rewarding 

    • Low maintenance 

  • Intermediate 

    • Typically requires extra attention in a couple matters (e.g. watering, fertilizer, etc.) 

    • May have a higher pest pressure 

  • Expert 

    • Typically has a higher pest pressure  

    • Harvesting requires extra attention 

    • Production may not be worth the effort needed to grow on a small scale (home gardening) 

    • May require special attention after harvest for storage