A:     Cool season vegetables are those that produce at their highest quality when average temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees. They are hardy vegetables that can withstand a light frost.

Generally, the edible parts of most cool season vegetables are the roots, stems, leaves, or immature fruit. Think fresh salad or stewed vegetables, right from your own garden. Root vegetable examples are beets, carrots, and radishes. Stem vegetable examples are asparagus and white potatoes, or for something a little different, try kohlrabi. Leaf vegetable examples are cabbage, celery, lettuce, and onions. The edible portions of broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are the immature fruit.

A few weeks before the average last frost is usually a good time to plant. This is around February 15th for San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach; between March 1st and 5th for Nipomo and Santa Maria; and around April 7th for Paso Robles.

Try timing your planting of cool season vegetables to be followed closely by a warm season crop, then another cool season crop. Pay special attention to the "days to maturity" listed on your seed packet should you try to plant this closely.

It is also important to consider the size of your garden plot and the amount of time you have to dedicate to this project as you make your garden plan. Don’t overestimate your time or underestimate the number the weeds you‘ll have to contend with!