The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural lushness: friendly landscapes, a temperate climate, and abundant rainfall. As famous as the region is for towering evergreens and incredibly fertile farmlands, it provides the best environment for cultivating a full spectrum of vegetables. Whether a seasoned gardener or just thinking of engaging in vegetable cultivation this season, it will be important to learn what types of vegetables grow best in the PNW to realize the most from your garden.

The Climate of the Pacific Northwest

Before we dive too deep into what vegetables to grow in the Pacific Northwest, let’s take a quick grasp of the PNW’s climate. The region encompasses Washington, Oregon, and parts of British Columbia. It has cool wet winters and overall mild, relatively dry summers. The maritime climate combined with the rest of the effects discussed below does cause a reasonably long growing season, though it does have a few slight elements that don’t make it entirely easy. For example, there tends to be full cloud coverage for some of the time, whereas at other times there may be very rapid fluctuations of temperature.

The key to successful vegetable gardening in the PNW is choosing varieties that do particularly well under these very same conditions: vegetables that thrive in cool weather, tolerate pests, and are productive in low-light conditions.

Cool-Season Vegetables

1. Kale

This is the superstar of the PNW gardens: kale. It is a hardy green, thoroughly suitable for cool weather; indeed, it can practically grow year-round in most areas. Kale’s cold frames tolerance allows it to handle frosts, which also makes it ideal for fall and winter gardens. Several popular types of kale to grow in the PNW are ‘Lacinato’-also called Dinosaur kale-and ‘Red Russian.’ Harvest leaves as needed, and enjoy kale in salads, soups, or sautéed as a nutritious side dish.

2. Lettuce

Another cool-season annual that works well in the PNW is Lettuce. Its capability to grow quickly in light shade makes sure the plant is additionally extremely versatile in the garden. Cultivars that perform very well across the region include ‘Butterhead,’ ‘Romaine,’ and ‘Looseleaf’ lettuces. Lettuce ought to be direct-sown in very early spring and again in the summer season for a fall harvest. To have a continuous supply, plant seeds every 2 weeks from the start of the growing season.

3. Spinach

Spinach grows well in the cool, moist climate of the PNW. It grows very quickly, is frost-hardy, and can tolerate partial shade. The best time to plant spinach is early in the spring or during fall. ‘Bloomsdale’ is the most popular variety, its leaves being thick, crinkled, and having a really rich flavor. Spinach can be picked one leaf at a time or cut back completely to encourage new growth; its usage is versatile in the garden.

4. Peas

Peas really do their best in cool spring and fall weather of the PNW. They can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked, usually as early as February or March. They prefer good drainage and a sunny spot but can get by in part shade. ‘Sugar Snap’ and ‘Oregon Giant’ are two of the most popular, with sweet, crunchy pods good for fresh eating or cooking.

Warm-Season Vegetables

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered a warm-season crop. Some cultivars adapt well to the PNW’s relatively short, cool summers. Generally speaking it’s the early-maturing ones such as ‘Stupice,’ ‘Siletz,’ and ‘Oregon Spring’ that do well and were bred for the region. These are determinant varieties with fruit early in the season and thus not taking quite the same hit as indeterminate tomatoes can be prone to late blight, and other fungal diseases that are problematic in the wet conditions of the PNW. Do best in a sunny position and for extra length of season, use a greenhouse or cloche.

2. Zucchini

Zucchini does very well in the PNW with a bit of care-it’s a prolific, easy-to-grow vegetable that prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can handle cooler temperatures more so than most varieties of squash. The popular ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Cocozelle’ are good choices for reliable, abundant fruit production through summer. For optimal production, plant in late spring after the last frost; give space between plants to allow for their sprawling nature.

3. Beans

Beans are a warm-season crop and can do very well in the PNW, especially bush beans and earlymaturing pole beans. Varieties such as ‘Provider’ (bush) and ‘Blue Lake’ (pole) are two great varieties that are highly reliable and resistant to most common pests and diseases. Beans will prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be directly sown into the garden when the soil has warmed up late in the spring. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

4. Carrots

Carrots are a sweet and diverse root vegetable that, depending on time and variety, can be grown in either spring or fall in the PNW. They prefer loose, well-drained soil and full sun, though partial shade is acceptable. ‘Nantes’ and ‘Chantenay’ are two varieties that are wellsuited to the cooler temperatures of the region. Carrots can be picked at various times, from baby carrots to full-sized roots, depending on your preference. In order to have continuous harvest, you should plan on planting carrot seeds every couple of weeks throughout the season.

Vegetables in the Root and Allium Families

1. Beets

Beets are a very hardy root vegetable, and their flavor really shines during the cool weather characteristic of the PNW. Both the roots and greens are edible, and this crop is great to include in the garden. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Chioggia’ are considered classic choices. Sow during early spring to transplant for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. Beets do best in well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade.

2. Onions

Onions do quite well in PNW’s climate. The best are the short-day or day-neutral varieties that don’t need long hours of sunlight to form bulbs. A typical example of such a famous variety, ‘Walla Walla’, produces large bulbs with a sweet flavor. Onions can be grown from starting seeds indoors, sets, and transplants. They do best when planted early in the spring. Planting requires full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Garlic

Garlic is an ideal crop to grow in the PNW garden because it is planted in the fall and harvested in mid-summer. Some good varieties to consider include hardneck types like ‘Rocambole’ and ‘Purple Stripe’. Garlic prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Cloves should be planted in the fall and mulched to protect from winter cold. The bulbs are usually harvested the following summer when leaves begin yellowing.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is a hardy perennial that will produce a crop for 15 years or more once established. It should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun. Plant asparagus crowns in the early spring and be patient—they take a couple of years to get settled in and start producing a good harvest. Some varieties known for their vigor and disease resistance include ‘Jersey Knight’ and ‘Mary Washington’.

5. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is another cool-season perennial crop that does well in the PNW. It does best in full sun sites with well-drained soils. Once established, harvest during the spring for good tart stalks to use in pies, jams, and other sauces. Popular varieties include productive and tasty ‘Victoria’ and ‘Canada Red.’. When you select vegetables that are well suited to the cool, wet local climate, you will have a great variety of items to enjoy throughout the seasonal growing year

Whether growing cool-season greens like kale and lettuce, heat-loving crops such as tomatoes and zucchini, or long-lived perennial vegetation like asparagus and rhubarb, the PNW harbors an ideal environment for quite a selection of cool weather vegetables. And, with proper planning and attending to plant-specific needs, your Pacific Northwest garden will flourish and produce delicious, homegrown food year after year.