Washington is divided into two climate areas by the Cascade Mountains . On the west side the winters are mild , in USDA zones 7 or 8 , and the summertime are nerveless . On the E side , winters are frigid , in USDA zones 5 and 6 , and summers are hot , with temperatures often rising into the eminent 90s or low-spirited 100s . The types of veggie that do well disagree with the mood , and the strategies for planting are dissimilar , as well .

Leafy Vegetables

Lettuce , spinach plant , kale , swiss chard , mustard and other Green River all do well in cool spring weather and may be straight - seeded in westerly Washington or winter under frigid frames . Be certain to put up the pH of the usually acerbic soil to neutral , specially for spinach .

If you live east of the mountains , you may do better with plant start indoors so you may take vantage of the cool interval between the last Robert Frost and the summer heat . Also look for heat - resistant multifariousness of these plant and give them some refinement during the hot weather condition . Because you ’re looking for big farewell , not heyday , they usually tolerate shade well and reward you with fine growth .

The Cabbage Family

These plants , the broccoli , cauliflower , Brussels sprouts and Chinese cabbage radical , do well in the mild mood west of the mountains without particular intervention . You may point - seed them or start them indoors before the last freeze date . Inland gardeners should practice transplants to get them started before the warm weather condition hit , and face for especially heat - repellent assortment .

Root Vegetables

Potatos need acid soil , so do a pH test if you live east of the mickle , and tot up sulfur to acidify the territory if needed .

onion plant , Daucus carota sativa , parsnips and beets are all adaptable plant life that thrive on both side of the mountains . Check with your extension service for recommended planting dates .

Peas And Beans

pea are cool - weather vegetable , planted in February in western Washington and give a unspoilt craw over a long period of fourth dimension . Plant them as early as possible in eastern Washington , and mulch the soil to keep it coolheaded .

bean plant , on the other hand , like strong weather , and do well east of the flock , though good crops are possible on the west side . adjudicate some of the more inhuman - tolerant , over-embellished - podded varieties there .

Tomatos, Peppers and Eggplants

These are all heat lovers , ideal for inland gardeners . Just about any miscellanea will develop well for you , though they may demand some covering in spring to protect them from cool nights ; earmark former planting for the best harvest home .

West - coast gardeners postulate to look for quick - ripening motley and give them as much tribute as potential to help oneself them grow and mature early . Even so , they ’re a bit of a gamble . In nerveless summertime , they just may not boom .

Melons, Cucumbers and Squash

These are ideal for inland gardens . Direct - seminal fluid them in quick soil for best results , as they do n’t transplant well .

Zucchini are reliable in coastal garden , but look for quick - ripen varieties of Cucumis sativus and winter squash rackets . Melons are commonly a poor bet , but if you get a hot summertime , you might harvest enough to make them worthwhile . Give them protection as long as potential .

Corn

poor - time of year varieties may come through in the westerly part of the state , but inland gardener have no limitations here . Wait until the land warms soundly before you engraft , though , or the seminal fluid may rot .

References

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