In Zone 4, there are several crops that grow well and thrive in the climate. Some of the best crops to grow in this zone include asparagus, beets, carrots, chard, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, mustard, onion sets, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radish, spinach, and turnip. These crops are well-suited to the colder temperatures and shorter growing season of Zone 4.
One of the first crops that can be planted outdoors in Zone 4 is asparagus. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that requires a few years to establish before it can be harvested. It is best to plant asparagus crowns in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. The crowns should be planted in a well-drained, sunny area.
Beets are another crop that grows well in Zone 4. They can be planted directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Beets prefer cool weather and can tolerate light frosts. They are a versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, soups, and roasted dishes.
Carrots are a popular root vegetable that can be sown directly in the garden in early spring. They prefer loose, well-drained soil and should be planted in a sunny location. Carrots can be harvested throughout the summer and into the fall.
Chard is a leafy green that is known for its colorful stems and nutritious leaves. It can be planted outdoors in early spring and can tolerate cooler temperatures. Chard prefers rich, well-drained soil and should be planted in a sunny location.
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Kohlrabi can be sown directly in the garden in early spring and prefers cooler temperatures.
Leaf lettuce is a quick-growing crop that can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. It is a cool-season crop that prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Leaf lettuce is a versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Mustard greens are a leafy green that can be planted outdoors in early spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Mustard greens have a slightly spicy flavor and can be used in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
Onion sets, which are small onion bulbs, can be planted in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. They prefer well-drained soil and should be planted in a sunny location. Onions can be harvested in the summer and stored for later use.
Parsnips are a root vegetable that can be planted in early spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor and can be roasted, boiled, or mashed.
Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Peas can be harvested in the early summer and are a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups.
Potatoes can be planted in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. They prefer well-drained soil and should be planted in a sunny location. Potatoes can be harvested in the summer and are a versatile vegetable that can be baked, boiled, mashed, or roasted.
Radishes are a quick-growing crop that can be planted outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Radishes can be harvested in a few weeks and are a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Spinach is a leafy green that can be planted outdoors in early spring. It prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Spinach can be harvested throughout the spring and into the early summer. It is a nutritious vegetable that can be used in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
Turnips are a root vegetable that can be planted in early spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Turnips can be harvested in the summer and have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. They can be roasted, boiled, or mashed.
In addition to these crops, it is also a good time to establish new plantings of grapes, strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, and rhubarb. These perennial plants require a few years to establish before they can be harvested, so it is best to plant them as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. These crops can provide delicious fruits and vegetables for years to come.
Zone 4 offers a variety of crops that can be grown successfully. By selecting the right crops and planting them at the appropriate times, gardeners in this zone can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season.
