Top picks for “secret season” gardens

 Radish: Direct sow seed in garden. Harvest in 20-30 days. Plant small-rooted varieties such as ‘French Breakfast,’ ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘Icicle’ at this time of year. Sometimes cabbage root maggots damage radish after mid-March. If damage occurs, don’t resow until October.

 Kale and collards, broccoli, gai lan, cabbage, cauliflower: Direct sow or use seedlings for kale or collards. Use purchased or homegrown seedlings of broccoli, gai lan, cabbage or cauliflower. Pot up or plant out before seedling roots become crowded. Starting early lets young plants grow without root maggot or cabbage worm damage that can occur after mid-March.

 Leeks: Sow in place or start seed inside. An early start, plus good, rich soil and enough water can produce large leeks in summer and fall.

 Onion: Start seed inside in January or February, or plant seeds, purchased plants or sets (small bulbs) in February. To avoid worry about getting planting time just right, use day-neutral varieties such as ‘Super Star,’ ‘Candy’ or ‘Red Candy Apple.’

 Lettuce: Purchase seedlings or grow your own. Varieties that handle cold best are loose-leaf and some Romaine types (read variety descriptions). You may need to cover young plants with polyester row cover (from a nursery) with edges tucked tightly into the soil to avoid bird damage.

Pam Peirce 'Cherry Belle' radish for the winter garden.