The Poe Center’s GrowWELL Garden is a unique outdoor teaching space featuring raised beds of seasonal fruits and vegetables, a pollinator garden, compost station, and educational mural. Programs taught in the GrowWELL Garden offer fun, hands-on ways for participants to make connections between edible gardening and nutrition.
Meet the Plants
Spring
Spring is an exciting time in the garden when everything starts to come back to life. In Wake County, or Zone 8a, you can begin planting your spring crops between March and May, as the soil warms and the risk of frost fades. This season is short and sweet; so pick fast-growing vegetables and tender greens that thrive in mild temperatures. Try planting crops such as lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes. Also, don’t forget to harvest your asparagus in the spring.
Summer
Summer is the season for warm-weather crops. In Zone 8a (Wake County), you can begin planting after the last frost date, typically around mid-April. These “tender crops” thrive in temperatures between 65–85°F and need consistent moisture to stay healthy during hot weather. Be sure to water your garden beds deeply to keep the soil cool and your plants thriving. Summer gardening includes exciting crops, such as peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, watermelon and more.
Fall/Winter
Fall is the best time to plant cool season crops. In Wake County, or Zone 8a, you can plant your fall garden from August to October. When temperatures drop below freezing in the winter months, protect your plants using aids such as row covers, cold frames, or heavy mulching. If you’re careful, your crops can last until spring. Winter crops include hardy leafy greens and root vegetables, such as kale, collards, carrots, cabbage, Swiss chard, and more.
