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Starting a vegetable garden in Zone 4 can be a rewarding experience, but choosing the right vegetables to start from seed is crucial for a successful harvest. Zone 4’s cold winters and short growing seasons require selecting hardy varieties that can thrive in cooler temperatures. Here are the top 10 vegetables ideal for starting from seed in Zone 4 gardens.
1. Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy leafy green that can be directly sown into the ground early in spring or started indoors. It tolerates frost and even improves in flavor after exposure to cold weather.
2. Spinach
Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and can be started indoors or directly seeded outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked. It grows quickly and provides nutritious leaves throughout the spring.
3. Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables that prefer cool weather. Sow carrot seeds directly into prepared soil in early spring for a summer harvest. Choose short or intermediate varieties for easier growing in shorter seasons.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is quick-growing and ideal for early planting. Start seeds indoors or directly sow in early spring. Choose cold-tolerant varieties for best results in Zone 4.
5. Radishes
Radishes are among the fastest vegetables to mature, making them perfect for early planting. Sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring for a quick, crunchy harvest.
6. Peas
Peas are cool-season legumes that can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors as soon as the soil warms up slightly. They thrive in early spring and produce abundant pods.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is a hardy vegetable that benefits from starting indoors early. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather stabilizes in spring for a productive crop.
8. Cauliflower
Cauliflower prefers cool weather and can be started indoors or directly seeded outdoors in early spring. It requires steady moisture and cool temperatures to develop properly.
9. Beets
Beets are versatile root vegetables that grow well in cooler weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden in early spring for a sweet, nutritious harvest.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a resilient leafy green that can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors. It tolerates cold and provides a continuous harvest of nutritious leaves.