Leeks are generally classified according to their main season of maturity—in other words, how quickly a variety reaches harvest stage. Planting times roughly correspond to harvest times although there is some overlap. There are early, mid-season, and late-season leeks. Early varieties planted in spring will be ready in summer or autumn; mid-season varieties planted in
The shallot is a small onion of the multiplier type. Its bulbs have a more delicate flavor than most onions. Shallots add a distinctive, complex flavor to savory dishes. Shallots can be grown from seed or sets (small shallots). Plant sets 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6
Radishes grow best in the cooler time of the year. Most are hardy to spring and autumn chills; a few varieties can withstand the summer heat. Sow seeds for small early varieties 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Plant midseason or summer varieties in mid to late spring. Late varieties—called winter radishes—should be
Endive and escarole are cool-season crops. They can be grown in early spring and in fall. Sow endive and escarole seeds directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. To set out transplants start seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting. Set transplants in the garden 4 weeks
Parsley is a biennial usually grown as an annual. The leaves are used for flavoring, garnishing, and in salads. Sow parsley seeds directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. For transplants, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before setting transplants in the garden; transplants can
All parts of Florence fennel can be eaten. The bulb can be prepared like celery; it can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and tenderest branches can be used in soups and salads. The seeds can be used as a flavoring in baked goods. Florence fennel requires a long, cool growing season, about 100
Lettuce can be grown in any home garden and in containers. It is a cool-weather crop and usually does not grow well in the heat of summer. Planting lettuce in the wrong season is the cause of most failures. In warm-winter regions grow lettuce in late fall, winter, and spring. In cold winter regions, grow
Sow spinach seeds in the garden as soon as the ground is workable in spring. If you wait, warm weather and long days will trigger seed stalk formation and the leaves will become bitter tasting. Spinach seeds will germinate in cool soil. Days at 60°F (16°C) and nights as low as 40°F (4°C) is warm
Asparagus can be started from seeds or crowns. Plants grown from seed commonly produce a larger number of slightly bigger and more tender spears. Set out seedlings 12-inch seedlings 4 weeks after the last frost. Sow seeds indoors 12 to 14 weeks before planting out. Soak seeds overnight in tepid water to improve germination. Plant
Parsnips are a cool-season crop. They are commonly planted in late spring for harvest in autumn or in late summer for harvest in winter or early spring. commonly grown in spring, fall, and winter in warm-winter regions. Parsnips are the most frost-resistant of all vegetables; they can be left in the garden over winter in
