We haven’t even officially started summer here in Vancouver but it’s almost time to start thinking about winter gardening! We’re lucky in the Pacific Northwest to have a viable winter gardening season; it’s not far-fetched to be able to grow into October and November.

Here are some seeds to consider sowing in late June so that the crops will be ready for the winter:

Carrot Family (Apiaceae): carrots and fennel

Onion Family (Alliaceae): green onions

Mustard Family (Brassicaceae): Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rutabaga, turnips

Sunflower Family (Compositae): endive, radicchio

Beet Family (Chenopodiaceae): beets, Swiss chard

Remember that root vegetables such as rutabagas, turnips, carrots, and beets do better starting from seed; they do not take well to transplanting.

Look for more tips like these at Seattle Tilth, who provides a monthly guide to gardening in our climate.