Cool Season Crops is the term that we use to refer to the group of crops that do best in shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures. Because you can grow crops year-round in many temperate areas of Zones 9 and 10, this term helps us distinguish which crops do best at certain times of the year. You can find this information quickly and easily on the back of our seed packs. For Zones 9 and 10, cool-season crops are typically grown in September–March's frost-free months. These crops also respond best to shorter day lengths or decreasing day lengths. Cool-season crops generally thrive in cooler temperatures such as during fall, winter, and early spring. If you grow in another zone outside of Zones 9 and 10, this information is still applicable to you and helpful as an indicator that you want to grow these crops in the frost-free days of the fall, early winter, and early spring. Since cool-season crops all enjoy shorter day lengths and cool weather, they can thrive as long as they have protection from frost. You can use row covers, heavy mulching, cold frames, greenhouses, and other crop protection to extend the growing season by protecting plants from frost. Growing crops in their correct season allows for the best cultural practices and thriving plants. Beginner gardeners should focus on growing crops during the right time of the year for the most bountiful harvest, least amount of pest issues, and best flavor. For seasoned growers, this is the first consideration when growing a crop.