10 Easy Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant from Seed
Many vegetables grow well during the cooler temperatures of mild winters, but buying a garden full of transplants is expensive. Luckily, many delicious vegetables grow well from seeds planted directly in the garden. Starting from seeds is not only easy, but it will save you money, too! In this post, I’ll share my favorite cool-season vegetables to plant from seed.
If you’re new to gardening—or just curious about what gardening blogs like this one mean when they mention bolting, germinate, or annual—check out my Gardening Glossary. It’s a simple reference that helps make all the terminology clear so you can follow posts with confidence.
Article Outline:
1. Carrots
Tips for Growing: Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly and keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate—thin seedlings early and often for the largest carrots. Learn how to grow carrots in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
2. Turnips
Tips for Growing: Turnips are quick-growing and prefer cooler weather. Plant seeds directly into the garden; thin seedlings about 4 inches (10 cm) apart. They do well in most soils but prefer a slightly acidic pH. Learn how to grow turnips in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
3. Swiss Chard
Tips for Growing: Swiss chard is a hardy green that can tolerate light frosts. Plant seeds about ½ inch (1 cm) deep and thin to about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart. Swiss chard will continue to produce throughout the fall and can even overwinter in mild climates. Learn how to grow Swiss chard in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
4. Spinach
Tips for Growing: Spinach loves cool weather; it will grow best once the cooler nights of fall arrive. Sow seeds directly and thin to about 3 inches (7 cm) apart. Keep the soil moist to prevent bolting, which can happen if temperatures fluctuate too much. Learn how to grow spinach in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
5. Lettuce
Tips for Growing: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows quickly. Scatter seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil. Thin seedlings to about 4 inches (10 cm) apart for leaf lettuce and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) for head lettuce. Regular watering will keep the leaves tender. Learn how to grow lettuce in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
10 Easy Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant from Seed
Want even more ideas for what to plant this season? Here’s another list of easy fall vegetables that thrive in mild winter climates—plus a few that aren’t worth the space.
For low desert planting dates and spacing information for these vegetables see my Vegetable, Herb & Fruit Planting Guide.
6. Radishes
Tips for Growing: Radishes are among the fastest-growing fall vegetables, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Sow seeds directly into the soil and thin to about 2 inches (5 cm)apart. Keep the soil moist for the best flavor and texture. Learn how to grow radishes in this article.
Gardening with kids? Radishes are a good choice. The seeds are easy to plant, and the seeds germinate quickly. Get more tips for gardening with kids in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
7. Peas
Tips for Growing: Peas thrive in the cool fall weather and tolerate a light frost. Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and provide a trellis. Water regularly, especially when the plants are flowering and setting pods. Learn how to grow peas in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
8. Beets
Tips for Growing: Beets are a dual-purpose crop providing greens and roots. Sow seeds directly and thin seedlings to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) apart. Beets prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Learn how to grow beets in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
9. Arugula
Tips for Growing: Arugula is a fast-growing green with a peppery flavor, perfect for fall salads and topping pizza. Sow seeds directly and thin to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) apart. Arugula can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for a stronger flavor. Learn how to grow arugula in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
10. Kale
Tips for Growing: Kale is a cold-hardy green that improves in flavor after a frost. Sow seeds directly and thin to about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. Kale can be harvested as baby greens or left to mature into full-sized leaves. Learn how to grow kale in this article.
Favorite Varieties:
Need help selecting what to grow? Explore the Ultimate Plant Index for inspiration and growing tips, all in one place.
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