Cool Season Crops Should be Planted Soon

By Trisha Gedon, Oklahoma State University

First posted on 05-03-2011

To say the least, Oklahoma has experienced a wild winter and early spring. From record-breaking snowfall to a change of 100 degrees or more in a week, Oklahomans have seen it all this season.
With consistently warmer weather right around the corner, gardening enthusiasts are gearing up for their spring plantings, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist.

“Depending on the types of vegetables you want to grow, now is a good time to get those cool season crops in the ground,” he said. “A well-planned and properly managed garden can provide Oklahoma families with high quality vegetables for many weeks throughout the growing season.”

Cool season crops that should be planted now include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, potatoes and spinach. The exact planting time varies around the state. South and southeast parts of Oklahoma could be as much as two weeks ahead of the northwest and Panhandle areas.

Hillock said one of the keys to successfully growing cool season, or hardy, crops is to remember that soil temperatures at planting depth should be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Gardeners also should be familiar with the characteristics of their soil. Modifying and improving the soil prior to planting is vital to ensure healthy crops,” he said. “Plant growth also relies on various fertilizer elements in the soil, many of which are easy to apply. A soil test is highly recommended and will help determine how much of which nutrients to apply.”

If the soil is sandy, gardeners should incorporate organic matter to help reduce the rapid drying and improve nutrient availability. Organic matter also will help improve soil aeration and drainage in heavy clay soil.

Hillock said it is important for soil to readily absorb water and not form a crust upon drying. The soil also should drain sufficiently so that it does not become waterlogged. In addition, soils that produced a vegetable garden the previous year will be more easily managed than soil currently established with grasses and weeds.

“Porous soil contains more air, which is necessary for healthy root growth,” he said. “As the organic matter decomposes, the soil texture improves and nutrient availability should increase.”

For the best gardening results, make sure to read the directions on seed packets regarding spacing between each plant, as well as spacing between each row. Gardeners must make sure the seeds are planted at the proper depth to ensure productivity. Additional fertilizers may be beneficial to stimulate growth and production.

“Remember that the weather always plays a key role in planting times, but it’s a good idea to get your cool season crops in the ground within the next few weeks,” Hillock said.

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