Western Washington has mild , rainy wintertime and cool summer that can be quite ironic , idealistic for some vegetables and a challenge for others . Some vegetables will stay green in the garden mighty through winter , while others receive the infrequent summer hot spells too warm for their liking . The best design is to expend the advantage and exploit around the disadvantages .
Leafy Greens
In general , greens such as lettuce , swiss chard , kale , spinach and other plant with comestible leaf do quite well in both summer and wintertime . Some are brave than others , swiss chard and kale tolerating the most frigid , but many may be grown under chicken feed or plastic shelters .
Look for varieties appropriate to the season , heat - immune ones for summertime and cold - hardy for winter . Lettuce , for instance , can be found in both , as can spinach . Remember that spinach plant likes a inert soil , so summate lime to increase the pH of acid soil .
The Cabbage Family
Broccoli and cauliflower , both do well in nerveless springs , as do the various varieties of Formosan cabbage . Some are hardy enough to winter . For good solvent , pop out transplants yourself in former spring because nursery starts may not transplant well , leading to " bolting , " premature head formation .
Peas and Beans
Peas are an excellent craw in this expanse , often planted around Presidents Day and well adjusted to coolheaded outflow . Beans do well if planted once the soil warms up . try out purple - pod varieties too soon in the time of year because these sprout well in coolheaded filth than most .
Root Crops
Garlic is well planted in fall and will make good root emergence during winter , leading to strong , healthy spring development . onion plant can be care for the same way .
white potato are a practiced selection for new garden beds because they prefer the acid soil that is uncouth in Western Washington . They are usually planted in March .
Carrot , beets , and other antecedent crops are all appropriate for Western Washington , and can often be plant to overwinter .
Squash
summertime mash is a good wager , just expect until the ground warm up before you plant it . Seeds engraft directly into the soil often do as well as transplantation . Winter squash may do well if you have tons of sunshine and a warm situation , not too close to the water .
Heat Loving Risks
In ordinary summers , middling coolheaded but with occasional spells in the mid-80s and above , tomato and corn whisky may ripen quite well , peculiarly if you choose supernumerary former varieties . If the weather is cooler than normal , you may be let down . Eggplants , capsicum pepper plant and melons are only for sheltered , extra fond south - facing nook , or greenhouses . you may always gamble on having a heat waving , but be prepared to lose .
