Which Vegetables Grow Best in the Pacific Northwest?
Which Vegetables Grow Best in the Pacific Northwest?. The weather in the Pacific Northwest is unlike most regions in the United States. Winters are cool and rainy while summers are dry and temperate. Not all vegetables will thrive in the Pacific Northwest's unique conditions. However, many vegetables do grow well in states like Oregon and...
The weather in the Pacific Northwest is unlike most regions in the United States. Winters are cool and rainy while summers are dry and temperate. Not all vegetables will thrive in the Pacific Northwest's unique conditions. However, many vegetables do grow well in states like Oregon and Washington.
Tomatoes grow well in the Pacific Northwest if treated properly. According to Seattle PI, diseases like blight can affect tomatoes. But if you spray the plants with a fungicide when rains come, you should be successful with your tomato crop.
Broccoli is one of the best crops to grow in the Pacific Northwest, according to Seattle PI. One benefit to this vegetable is that it will continue to grow back. This will allow you to harvest broccoli from July into the winter for your family. Watch out for aphids and root maggots on this plant.
Leafy greens such as lettuce, chard and kale all grow well in the Pacific Northwest. These crops are perfect for salads and serving as side dishes. Young, dark leafy greens can be damaged by harsh sunlight, making the Pacific Northwest's overcast springs the perfect time for these delicate crops to grow. When the full sun of summer does arrive, these plants are usually strong enough to withstand the direct exposure.
Leeks, members of the onion family, also grow well in the Pacific Northwest. Leeks can be expensive when you buy them at the store, but they are surprisingly easy to grow. Another advantage is that they don't take up very much space in the garden. According to Seattle PI, it takes about 70 days for leeks to be ready once you plant them. You can also grow onions in the Pacific Northwest, but they take up more space and are quite cheap at the store.
According to Seattle PI, carrots are another great vegetable to grow in the Pacific Northwest. If you harvest carrots near the time frost arrives, you will have sweet, full-tasting vegetables. One caveat about growing carrots in the Northwest, Seattle PI says, is that they attract rust flies, which not only destroy your harvest but affect the soil. Prevent rust flies with row covers or by planting in a raised bed.
Herbs such as basil and parsley grow well in the Pacific Northwest. Like leeks, basil is expensive to buy in the store but easy to grow. However, basil does not grow well in cool conditions, so wait until the summer to plant it. Parsley also is easy to grow. According to Seattle PI, it will grow up to three feet in height, so be prepared to have plenty of parsley.
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