"This year, I would like to direct sow Spinach, lettuces (mostly baby leaf), arugula, mustard greens, radish and beets." I would think anytime weather permitting after April 10. Carrots, kohlrabi also if you so desire.

Chad and kale are really easy to direct sow from seed. I looked up Swiss Chard and it says to sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost date! So I should think that beets and kale would be the same thing and lettuce, arugula are pretty hardy! I always forget and sow my seeds when I plant out my tomato plants at the end of May.

If you decide to try Swiss Chard seeds, I can recommend Fordhook Giant, Lucullus, and the red-stemmed ones such as Rhubarb.

Linda

As soon as the soil isn't too soggy.

Thanks for the input. Would I need to cover up the seedlings should the temps dip below 0c (32f)? I would think not for these cool weather crops.

As for direct showing Kale and Chard, if it can be done 2-3 weeks before last frost, then I may just try that!

Although a seed packet contains way too many seeds for my needs (for kale, chard) and buying seedlings ends up being cheaper.

I wouldn't cover the seedlings.

Yes, there are a lot of seeds in a packet, but a packet will last you for a few years!

Linda

I would also not cover. By the time they sprout frosts will probably be pretty much over.

You can definitely direct sow them.

Spinach is the hardiest. You could actually sow the spinach in mid fall for spring eating. It will overwinter, even without cover, unless temps fall well below zero.

We direct seeded chard and it was a powerhouse producer all season long. I was amazed at those plants. They kept going in the fall even after a frost or two.

Looks like I'll direct sow Kale and Swiss Chard as well then!

Laceyvail, our winters can be quite brutal... temps get to -25C (-13F). Although this winter has been mild, it is certainly not the norm. I can't imagine spinach would survive such temps.

I had Savoy spinach survive both of the polar blasts of 2014 and 2015, with temps in double digits below zero. A little cover helps -- like snow or mulch or pine boughs from an old Christmas tree if the temps dip very low. It was already established, planted in the mid fall, so it had a chance to toughen up during the late fall and early winter. Mache will also survive those temps easily.

Happy winter gardening! There is a 4 season gardening discussion group on this site as well that you might enjoy.

Four Season Vegetable Gardening Forum - GardenWeb

I am in Northern Virginia (zone 7a) and the average last frost date is April 20. I typically direct plant cool weather plants like radishes, carrots, chard, mustard greens, beets, and leeks anytime after March 10. I also transplant the plants I start indoors at the same time with the intention to cover them if the temperature drops below 35 degrees. After the direct sowed plants come up, if there is a frost predicted, I cover them with newspaper. So far, I have been successful. For you, I would think April 20 should be a safe date to follow these procedures.

thanks everyone. I am "trying" to be a bit more organized this year, and maximize our short growing season and my limited backyard space. Last year was my first attempt at a veg garden and it helped me figure out which plants were a waste of time and space. For example, I won't bother with peas or snow-peas. And certain tomato and pepper varieties were duds.

This forum has been indispensable!

There was a recent thread with pepper recommendations --> http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/3618467/good-bell-pepper-for-central-wi?n=10 -- I recommend Ace.

For tomatoes, you should head over to the tomato forum.