We sure have been having some really interesting weather these past few weeks. I’m not saying I don’t like it, only that it is very, well, you know…interesting. Actually it’s a bit disturbing to be having fall weather in mid-July, especially when I know that the heat will be back soon, it probably already is as you read this!

This out of season weather has put me in the mind to start thinking about my winter garden and that’s a good thing. Planning and planting for a winter garden now means fresh veggies all through the winter and into early spring. Many of us only plant a summer garden and then call it quits for the rest of the year. But think about it, the beds are already prepared, the winter rains do most of the watering and most of the pest pressure doesn’t exist in fall and winter. So why not put a few things in to keep the harvest coming?

Here’s a list of some veggies to plant and approximate dates for planting.

Bush Beans You can probably get one more round of bush beans in now for harvest in October. Just be sure to choose a variety that has a quick maturity date, say something like 50 or 60 days, Provider is a good choice.

Beets These can be seeded now and into September

Broccoli Seed now or transplant by the first part of August. Try overwintering varieties like Purple Sprouting.

Brussels Sprouts Seed now or transplant by the first of August

Cabbage Seed now or transplant by the middle of August

Carrots Seed now through the first part of August

Chard, Collards, Kale Seed now or transplant into September

Cauliflower Seed now or transplant by the first part of August

Lettuce Seed in August through September, plant them where they will get some shade if you live in a hot climate, or provide shade on really hot days

Onions and Garlic Plant September-December

Parsnips, Radish, Rutabaga and Turnip Seed in August and September

Spinach Seed in August and September

That’s a lot of food that you can grow through the winter for not much effort. You will have to do a bit of slug control and it’s important to remember not to fertilize too much since winter veggies grow very slowly. A flush of new growth too late in the season from too much nitrogen is susceptible to frost damage. It’s also a good idea to leave plenty of space between plants since the cool wet winter weather favors funguses and molds.