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Welcome to the Beginner’s Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure — big or small.

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  2. 462 - How Early Is Too Early? Planting Cool-Season Crops With Confidence

462 - How Early Is Too Early? Planting Cool-Season Crops With Confidence

Mar 10, 2026

Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer?
In this episode, you’ll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence.
If you’ve ever worried about planting too early or too late, this practical guide will help you read the signals your garden is giving you.

free download: Garden Cheat Sheet

New to edible gardening or restarting after a break? Download my free Garden Cheat Sheet—a simple path to plan, plant, and stay on track.
https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the temperature range cool season crops prefer

  • Learn how frost forecasts influence planting decisions

  • Know the soil temperature thresholds for direct sowing seeds

  • Avoid common mistakes with soggy soil and early planting

  • Gain confidence in reading weather patterns in your own garden

Connect

Complete Garden Planner
Plan and track your season with my all-in-one downloadable garden planner.
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/

Sponsor(s) for This Episode

Garden in Minutes
Garden in Minutes offers a simple irrigation system designed specifically for raised beds, helping you water efficiently and consistently without the hassle of hand watering.
Use code Jill for 7% off your order.
http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cross Country Nursery
Cross Country Nursery is a plant nursery that helps gardeners get quality plants delivered so you can get growing faster and with less guesswork.

Use code JILL  for 15% off your order. http://www.chileplants.com/jill 

 

Disclaimer

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.

Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.