Late Winter/Early Spring Veggie Planting

What you can plant in a protected garden (late winter / early spring)

Cool season crops like lettuces, carrots, onions and herbs best during these milder months, when growth is steady and roots can develop without heat stress. What’s planted now builds quietly, preparing for a generous harvest as the season unfolds.

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Spinach
Spinach thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light freezes. A cold frame protects it from hard cold snaps while giving it enough warmth to grow steadily before heat causes bolting.

Lettuce (leaf varieties)
Leaf lettuce prefers cool temperatures and grows quickly in late winter light. Cold frames prevent frost damage and slow temperature swings, which keeps leaves tender and sweet.

Kale
Kale is extremely cold-hardy and actually improves in flavor after cold exposure. A cold frame helps it grow faster and look better while protecting it from extreme freezes and wind.

Radishes
Radishes are fast growers and love cool soil. They mature quickly before spring heat arrives, and a cold frame prevents cracking and stress from fluctuating temperatures.

Green onions
Green onions tolerate cold well and grow steadily in protected environments. They’re perfect for cold frames because you can harvest them gradually as needed.

Carrots
Carrots germinate slowly in cold soil, but a cold frame slightly warms the soil and improves germination. Cool weather also encourages sweeter roots.

Arugula
Arugula prefers cool weather and becomes bitter once temperatures rise. Cold frames allow you to grow it earlier and extend the season before spring heat hits.

Gardening tips for success in Austin

Don’t skip the mulch. A light layer of mulch helps hold moisture, keeps soil temperatures more even, and protects roots during cold nights. As the weather warms, it also helps prevent weeds and keeps the soil from drying out too quickly.

Vent often
Even in winter, we all know that the temps change quickly! Texas sun can heat quickly. Open your weatherproofing during warm days (especially when temps hit the 60s–70s) to prevent overheating.

Watch nighttime lows
Most of these plants tolerate cold, but if temps dip into the low 20s, add extra protection inside the cold frame (frost cloth).

Water lightly but consistently
Plants use less water in winter, but frost cloth or coverings can dry out your babies  faster than you think. Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.

Plant densely, but intentionally
Cool-season crops grow more slowly, so you can plant a bit closer together. Just be sure airflow remains good to prevent mildew. Companion plants? Yes, please!

Think succession
Stagger plantings every 1–2 weeks. This gives you a steady harvest and prevents everything from maturing at once. The good problem to have is needing to harvest and eat them quickly enough, but it’s always nice to share with friends and neighbors. 

Plan the transition to spring
By late March, many of these crops will be ready to come out or be swapped for new ones. Plant protection frames are great for helping young spring plants slowly adjust to warmer weather before they go into the garden.