Frost-free Planting Dates and Plant Protection in Zones 5b & 6a

Climate change adds complexity to predicting frost-free dates by influencing weather patterns and subsequently the growing seasons across the globe. The USDA Hardiness Zones (also known as climate zones) were widely used to provide an average expectation of minimum winter temperatures. But there were never any specific frost dates.

Frost-free date prediction is getting harder

The U.S. has 13 “climate zones.” Find your climate zone in the official USDA Map of U.S. Climate Zones. The higher the zone number, the warmer the climate. To learn more about how climate zones work and how to use planting calendars go to our blog post Know Your Climate Zone.

Greater Chicago area and most of northern Illinois are in climate zones 5b and 6a. The city of Chicago and a few bordering towns are in zone 6a which is warmed by the “Lake Effect.” The collar counties are in zone 5b.

Oak Park is officially in Zone 6a. River Forest and the western suburbs are in Zone 5b. We want as little cold weather risk for our beginner gardeners as for their warm weather veggies like tomatoes and peppers.

Beginners use zone 5b planting calendar. We recommend that all Greater Chicago area beginning and intermediate gardeners follow our Planting Calendar for Zone 5b since there is less risk of unexpected cold weather. Beginners should plant at the warmer part of a planting period in our planting calendars. Still it is important to learn the tools to protect your garden from unexpected cold temperatures and heat waves.

Experienced gardeners in zone 6a (city of Chicago) can take advantage of the longer frost-free growing season. Use our zone 5a planting calendar as a reference point. The spring zone 6a planting dates are 2 weeks earlier and the fall 6a planting dates are 2 weeks later than 5b.

Average frost-free dates for spring and fall in zones 5b & 6a:

• Climate Zone 5b: Last spring frost is between mid-May and late-May. The first fall frost is between late-September and mid-October. The growing season is approximately 150-180 days.

• Climate Zone 6a: Last spring frost is between early-May and mid-May. The first fall frost is between early October and mid-October. The growing season is approximately 160-200 days.

Average frost date ranges vary across the U.S. The front-free date ranges for zones 5b and 6a can vary significantly across the U.S. due to regional climate differences such as altitude, proximity to large bodies of water, and other factors. Therefore, it's essential to refer to local university extension services. botanic gardens or weather stations for more precise data.

Microclimates can cause temperature variations. Be aware that even within your specific zone, microclimates can cause variations in temperature. Garden placement, such as near a south-facing wall or in a low-lying area, can cause warmer or cooler spots, respectively. Monitoring your specific conditions will give you the best understanding of your garden's climate over time.

We use the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden for advice on local gardening problems including planting times and weather.

How to track temperatures effectively

• Use a reliable outdoor thermometer: This can help you monitor the current temperature in your garden.

• Consider a digital weather station: These can provide much more accurate and real-time data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall.

• Use online resources: Websites like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather or National Weather Service (NOAA) provide comprehensive weather forecasts, including nighttime lows.

• Mobile Apps: There are numerous gardening and weather apps that can help monitor your local conditions and even send frost alerts.

Frost Protection and Soil Temperature

Predicting frost-free dates is becoming more challenging due to changing weather patterns during climate change. Therefore, be prepared to use frost protection techniques.

Soil temperature is crucial for planting food garden seeds and transplants, as it affects seed germination, root development, and overall plant growth. Different plants have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth, so it's essential for gardeners to consider both soil temperature and frost-free dates. See our Veggie Temperature Tolerances blog post for details about crops we include in our planting calendar.

For beginner gardeners, it's wise to balance soil temperature and frost-free dates. Choosing the right time to plant can minimize the risk of frost damage and ensure a successful garden. Beginners should plant their warm weather seedlings at the warmer end of the recommended planting period in spring. See our Planting Calendar for Climate Zone 5b.

Low temperatures can damage or kill warm weather crops. Monitor weather and temperature  daily and weekly. Know the temperature tolerance of your plants. The night time temperatures are usually the lowest. Some plants are more sensitive to temperature than others. The duration of exposure to a low temperature is also a factor. Cold tolerance plants have varying temperature sensitivities as well. Some warm weather crops can be damaged by temperatures in the low 40s, and 50s.

How to protect your garden from frost

Check YouTube for videos about how to make the protections below.

Don’t plant outdoors until the risk of cold damage is gone. Know the temperature tolerance of each plant, follow the planting calendar and monitor the weather.

Re-plant your tiny warm weather seedlings like tomatoes, peppers and basil into larger pots (4-5” diameter, 6-7” tall) until safe planting time at the end of May arrives. Deep Roots has lot of pots you can use and keep for future years. Fill the pots with half compost and half worm castings. This way you can protect the seedlings with sufficient space and nutrients.

Bring re-potted warm weather seedlings indoors (house, garage or shed) overnight or even all day near a large window.

Setup temporary a mini-hoop house covered with heavy fabric if you have too many seedling pots to move indoors on cold nights. Use sheets, light blankets, frost cloth (frost shield) and canvas supports by hoops. Place the hoops in a raised bed or in the ground. Remove the cloth during the day if temperature permits. The frost cloth is best and is sold at many hardware stores and big box stores. Use metal fencing or 1/2” inch PVC pipes for the hoops. Place stones and boards around the bottom of the fabric to keep out cold and keep it from blowing away. Make sure the fabric doesn’t touch the plant foliage. Don’t cover with plastic or tarps which will collect moisture and harm your plants.

Floating row covers: Floating row covers or frost blankets can be draped over your plants to shield them from small dips in temperatures. They allow light and water to pass through while providing insulation. But this often can’t raise the temperature adequately to protect from low temperatures. See our blog post Installing Hoops on Raised Beds.

Cloches: Cloches are small, transparent covers, often made from plastic or glass, that protect individual plants. They create a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping warmth and moisture around the plant. Use them at night and take them off in the morning.

Cold frames: Cold frames are bottomless boxes with a transparent lid, usually made of glass or plastic. They can be placed over garden beds to provide insulation and protect plants from frost.

Greenhouses: Greenhouses, even small or portable ones, can provide a controlled environment to protect plants from frost and extend the growing season. Small inexpensive fold-up green houses can be found online.
Water-filled containers placed in a hoop house. Placing water-filled containers, like plastic bottles, next to your plants can help retain heat. The water absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, creating a warmer microclimate.

Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help insulate the soil, maintaining a more consistent temperature and protecting the root system from frost.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Veggie Temperature Tolerances

Understanding the temperature tolerances of the vegetables you grow is crucial for their growth and productivity. By providing the optimal temperature conditions, you can ensure healthy plants and a bountiful harvest. The veggies listed in this post are the same ones listed in our Planting Calendar Climate Zone 5b.

It's important to note that temperature tolerances may vary slightly depending on the variety of the vegetable, as well as other environmental factors such as humidity and soil moisture. When growing vegetables, it's always best to consult the seed packet or a gardening guide to determine the optimal temperature range for the specific variety of vegetable.

Learn how to protect your plants from both excessive heat and cold in our Larger Harvests in the Cool Seasons blog post.

Brassica family temperature tolerances

The swede midge fly (Contarinia nasturtii), an invasive pest from Europe, has begun wreaking havoc on brassica crops in the northern Midwest. Learn how to protect your plants in our blog post about Swede Midge Fly Management. Contact our customer support about buying bug netting. See our bug netting protections setup in our experimental garden.

Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable, a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It is known for its mild and slightly sweet taste, tender stems, and delicate florets. Broccolini can tolerate both high and low temperatures, but it grows best in cool weather with temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). If the temperature gets too hot, broccolini can bolt (start to flower prematurely) and become bitter. On the other hand, if the temperature drops below 25°F (-4°C), broccolini can suffer from frost damage.

Brussels sprouts are a type of cabbage that grow in small, compact heads on a tall stem. They have a slightly bitter taste and are often roasted or sautéed. Brussels sprouts are also quite hardy and can tolerate both high and low temperatures. They grow best in cool weather with temperatures between 45-75°F (7-24°C). However, they can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) without suffering significant damage. High temperatures can cause the sprouts to open up and become loose, which can reduce their quality and flavor.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes and colors, including green, purple, and white. It has a slightly sweet taste and is often used in salads, coleslaw, and stir-fries. Cabbage is a cool-season crop and grows best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C). However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) and as high as 80°F (27°C) for short periods of time. If the temperature gets too hot, cabbage can bolt and become bitter. If the temperature drops below 20°F (-7°C), cabbage can suffer from frost damage.

Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous family and is closely related to broccoli and cabbage. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is often used in soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes. Cauliflower prefers cool weather and grows best in temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C). If the temperature gets too high, cauliflower can become tough and bitter. If the temperature drops below 25°F (-4°C), cauliflower can suffer from frost damage.

Collards are a leafy green vegetable that is often used in Southern cooking. They have a slightly bitter taste and are rich in nutrients such as vitamin K and vitamin C. Collards are a cool-season crop and grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C). However, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C) for short periods of time. If the temperature gets too high, collards can bolt and become tough and bitter. If the temperature drops below 20°F (-7°C), collards can suffer from frost damage.

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads, smoothies, and soups. It has a slightly bitter taste and is known for its high nutrient content, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron. Kale prefers cool weather and grows best in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) and as high as 80°F (27°C) for short periods of time. If the temperature gets too high, kale can become tough and bitter. If the temperature drops below 20°F (-7°C), kale can suffer from frost damage.

Kohlrabi can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in cool weather conditions. It's important to prevent heat stress, by providing adequate irrigation and shade. It can withstand light frosts but not extended periods of cold weather. The ideal temperature range for kohlrabi growth and development is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Kohlrabi can tolerate high temperatures up to 85°F (29°C), but prolonged exposure to such temperatures can cause bolting, or premature flowering, which negatively affects the quality of the kohlrabi bulb. Cooler temperatures can result in sweeter and crisper kohlrabi bulbs. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant, causing the bulb to become soft and spongy.

Cucurbit family temperature tolerances

Cucumbers are heat-sensitive and do best in temperatures between 60-90°F (16-32°C). They can tolerate some heat but will become stressed if temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C). Cucumbers can also be damaged by frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Cantaloupes prefer warm temperatures and grow best in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). They can tolerate some heat but may become stressed if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Cantaloupes can also be damaged by frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Summer squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, thrive in warm temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C). They can tolerate some heat but may become stressed if temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C). Summer squash can also be damaged by frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Winter squash, such as butternut and acorn squash, can tolerate cooler temperatures than summer squash. They grow best in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). Winter squash can be damaged by frost and temperatures below 

Zucchini, like other summer squash, prefer warm temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C). They can tolerate some heat but may become stressed if temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C). Zucchini can also be damaged by frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Watermelons are heat-loving plants that do best in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). They can tolerate some heat but may become stressed if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Watermelons can also be damaged by frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Fruiting crop temperature tolerances

In general temperatures between 40 and 50º for a night won’t hurt most tomato varieties and peppers. The severe cold damage comes below 40º. It’s best to transplant seedlings at the warmer part of the planting period. A “heat wave” with temperatures above 85ª and 90º F can severely damage tomato plants. Some varieties can stop producing fruit for 2 weeks, and other varieties stop producing fruit for the rest of the growing season.

Cherry tomatoes are warm-season plants and prefer temperatures between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but don't grow well in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). If temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C), cherry tomato plants may drop their flowers and fruits.

Roma tomatoes are also warm-season plants and prefer temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but don't grow well in temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Like cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes may drop their flowers and fruits if temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C).

Heirloom tomatoes are also warm-season plants and prefer temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but don't grow well in temperatures below 55°F (13°C). If temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C), heirloom tomato plants may drop their flowers and fruits.

Eggplant is a warm-season vegetable that thrives in temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). They prefer warm nights, and the optimal temperature range for eggplant growth is 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Eggplants can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but extended periods of temperatures over 90°F (32°C) can stress the plant and cause damage.

Sweet peppers are also warm-season vegetables and prefer temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but prefer warm days and nights. The optimal temperature range for sweet pepper growth is 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can cause the plant to stop growing and may lead to flower and fruit drop.

Hot peppers are similar to sweet peppers in their temperature requirements, preferring warm temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). However, some hot pepper varieties, such as habaneros, can tolerate higher temperatures up to 95°F (35°C). Like sweet peppers, hot peppers may stop growing and drop flowers and fruit at temperatures above 90°F (32°C).

Greens temperature tolerances

Amaranth is tolerant of high temperatures and can grow well in warm climates. It can tolerate temperatures up to 95°F (35°C) but prefers a range between 70-85°F (21-29°C). In contrast, amaranth cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Swiss chard is a cool-season vegetable that prefers mild temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C) but prefers a temperature range of 50-75°F (10-24°C). High temperatures can cause Swiss chard to bolt, or flower and produce seeds prematurely.

Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that prefers temperatures between 60-65°F (16-18°C). It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C) but will bolt in high temperatures above 75°F (24°C).

New Zealand spinach is a heat-loving plant that can tolerate temperatures up to 95°F (35°C). It prefers temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and can tolerate light frosts down to 32°F (0°C).

Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that prefers temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C). It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C) but will bolt in high temperatures above 75°F (24°C).

Bok choy is a cool-season vegetable that prefers temperatures between 60-65°F (16-18°C). It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C) but will bolt in high temperatures above 75°F (24°C).

Herb temperature tolerances

Basil is a heat-loving herb that can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out. Basil is sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged by frost. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but anything below that can cause damage or death to the plant.

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and can start to bolt (go to seed) when temperatures reach above 75°F (24°C). It can tolerate higher temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) with proper care and watering. Cilantro can tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can cause damage or death to the plant.

Dill can tolerate temperatures up to 85°F (29°C), but prefers cooler temperatures. High temperatures can cause the plant to bolt and go to seed prematurely. Dill can tolerate light frost and temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage or death to the plant.

Oregano is a heat-loving herb that can tolerate high temperatures up to 100°F (38°C). It prefers temperatures between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) for optimal growth. Oregano is fairly cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) with some protection. Extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage or death to the plant.

Sage is a heat-loving herb that can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C) for optimal growth. Sage is fairly cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) with some protection. However, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage or death to the plant.

Parsley prefers cooler temperatures and can start to wilt and dry out when temperatures reach above 85°F (29°C). It is best grown in temperatures between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Parsley is somewhat cold hardy and can tolerate light frost and temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C). However, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage or death to the plant.

Lavender: English lavender is winter-hardy to Zone 5 and may only need a bit of help in the form of a thin layer of straw. Otherwise, lavender shouldn't need any extra care outdoors. Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8, and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas. Before the first frost, it is best to bring the potted lavender plants indoors and place them in a dry, unheated room. Cellars, garages, greenhouses or winter gardens are particularly suitable for overwintering. 

Legume temperature tolerances

While these legumes can tolerate a range of temperatures, they each have an optimal temperature range for growth and yield. It is important to consider these temperature ranges when planting and caring for legumes in your garden to ensure the best results.

Bush beans can tolerate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). However, they prefer a temperature range of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can slow down the growth of bush beans, while temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause the flowers to drop, resulting in reduced yield.

Pole beans can tolerate temperatures ranging from 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C). However, they prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause poor germination, and temperatures above 86°F (30°C) can cause flowers to drop, resulting in reduced yield.

Fava beans can tolerate temperatures ranging from 40°F to 75°F (4°C to 24°C). They prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause the plants to bolt, resulting in reduced yield.

Snap peas can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C). They prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause the plants to become stressed, resulting in reduced yield.

Snow peas can tolerate temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). They prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause the pods to become tough and inedible.

Shell peas can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C). They prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for optimal growth. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause the pods to mature too quickly, resulting in reduced yield.

Root Crop temperature tolerances

These root vegetables have different temperature preferences and tolerances, but they are generally hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. However, extreme temperatures can cause damage or poor growth, so it's best to plant them in their preferred temperature range and provide protection in case of temperature extremes.

Beets are a hardy root vegetable that can tolerate both high and low temperatures. They can grow in temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C). However, they prefer cooler temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 65°F (18°C). Beets can withstand light frosts but may suffer from frost damage if temperatures drop below 28°F (-2°C) for an extended period.

Carrots are another hardy root vegetable that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They prefer cooler temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C) but can grow in temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 80°F (27°C). However, they may suffer from poor growth and deformities in hot temperatures above 80°F (27°C). In cold temperatures, they can tolerate light frosts but may suffer damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C) for an extended period.

Garlic planting times are unique. Plant the cloves at the optimum time for your climate zone. In zones 0 to 4 plant in late August to September. In zones 5 to 8 plant in mid-October through mid-November. In zones 9 to 10 plant in late November to December or before the ground freezes. Garlic is a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C). It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 90°F (32°C) but may suffer from poor growth and bulb development in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Garlic can also withstand light frosts, but temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) can cause severe damage.

Green onions, also known as scallions, are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C). They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 85°F (29°C) but may suffer from poor growth in temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Green onions can also withstand light frosts, but temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) can cause severe damage.

Parsnips are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 65°F (18°C). They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 75°F (24°C) but may suffer from poor growth in temperatures above 75°F (24°C). Parsnips can withstand light frosts but may suffer damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C) for an extended period.

Radishes are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 65°F (18°C). They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 85°F (29°C) but may suffer from poor growth in temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Radishes can withstand light frosts, but temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) can cause severe damage.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.