The following are what they call hardy to semi-hardy plants I regularly plant in the garden. They are cold weather friendly and can be planted directly into the garden as soon as the soils are workable down to a foot or two (Frost comes out top down). Seeds will need a slightly higher daytime temperature to germinate and they may still die off from freezing to cold (consider germination time as well). Its risky but rewards will give you a good crop up to a month early.
This upcoming weekend I am likely planting the following
Peas (pod and sugar snap)
Can be planted directly in garden as soon as the soil can be worked down to at least two feet. Between 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Eight per square (modified with trellis)
Kohlrabi
Can be planted directly in garden four weeks before last frost date. Eight per square foot.
Swiss Chard
Plant directly in garden two to three weeks before last frost date. Four per square foot.
Kale
Plant directly in the garden as soon as the soild can be worked. Two per square foot.
Spinach
Plant directly in the garden four to six weeks before last frost date. Nine per square foot.
Turnip
Plant directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Nine per square foot. Will need to be thinned.
Radish
Plant anywhere in the garden as soon as the soild is workable. They grow so fast they can grow amongst slower growing plants. Nine per square.
Beets
Plant 2-4 weeks before last frost. Nine per square foot. Successive plantings every 3-4 weeks for greens.Will need to be thinned.
