Gardening doesn’t have to end when the first frost arrives. With the right selection of frost-tolerant vegetable plants, you can continue to harvest fresh produce well into the fall and sometimes even throughout the winter.
These resilient plants can withstand cold temperatures and, in some cases, even improve in flavor as the weather cools.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 14 frost-tolerant vegetable plants that will keep your garden productive as the temperature drops.
1. Broccoli
Packed with nutrients, broccoli is tasty and easy to grow. It’ll also survive frost; in the spring, you can plant it about a month before your area’s average last frost date. Because broccoli loves cool weather, you can also plant it in late summer for fall harvests.
2. Brussels Sprouts
The plant will withstand frost and can be harvested until a hard freeze strikes. The best-quality sprouts are produced during sunny days with light frosts at night.
3. Cabbage
Cabbages grow best in areas with cool winter temperatures between 45° to 75°F (7°C to 24°C) and they’ll withstand mild frosts. The frost will sweeten the cabbage, so a few light frosts are beneficial for the plants.
Plant one crop in early spring to harvest in summer, and then plant a second crop at the end of summer to harvest in winter.
4. Cauliflower
Cauliflower can survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day and cool temperatures, especially when the heads are forming.
5. Kale
Snow can protect plants from extreme cold so that they stay in the garden longer. Kale is one of these plants! Very cold-hardy.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a cold hardy leafy vegetable that will tolerate light frosts. The seeds can be planted directly in the garden six weeks before the last frost of the season.
7. Carrots
Carrots can survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged periods of cold results in long, pale roots. Carrot seeds do well when planted directly in the garden in late summer and harvested during the winter months.
8. Peas
Peas are perfect to grow on a fence or small trellis to give structure to the cool-season garden. They’re pretty, too: The plants often bear variegated foliage and white flowers.
9. Onions
Onions can withstand cold temperatures, mild frosts and even snow. The seedlings are most susceptible to cold temperatures, while older plants are hardier.
A thick layer of mulch will help to protect the plants during cold weather.
10. Leeks
Leeks are cold hardy vegetables that become sweeter and tastier after a frost. Leeks are very cold-tolerant, most likely to survive plunges to 0 °F.
11. Garlic
Garlic takes seven to eight months to mature and needs at least six weeks of cold temperatures for optimal growth. The best time to plant garlic bulbs is in fall and the bulbs will be ready to harvest in late spring or summer.
12. Turnips
Turnips are cold hardy and frost tolerant root vegetables that benefit from mild frosts. The frost helps turnips to develop natural sugars which tones down their spicy flavor.
13. Radish
Radishes win the prize for being one of the fastest vegetables; they’re often ready for harvest less than a month after you plant the seeds. Radishes come in a variety of flesh colors, from white to red to pink and lavender.
14. Rhubarb
Rhubarb grows best in cool weather and will tolerate mild frosts. If the temperature falls below 24 °F (-4 °C) the leaves may be killed but the roots will survive and grow again in the spring.
These 14 frost-tolerant vegetable plants open up exciting possibilities for extending your growing season and enjoying fresh produce well into the fall and winter months.
With the right care and protection, you can continue to savor the flavors of your garden even as the temperature drops.
Experiment with these cold-hardy vegetables and discover the joy of a year-round harvest in your own backyard.