Cold-hardy vegetables are plants that can withstand low temperatures and frost, making them ideal for early spring and late fall gardening. These vegetables thrive in cooler weather and can often be planted before the last frost date, allowing gardeners to extend their growing season. Common examples include kale, spinach, and broccoli. These vegetables have developed adaptations that help them survive cold conditions, such as thicker cell walls and natural antifreeze proteins. Growing cold-hardy vegetables not only provides fresh produce during colder months but also contributes to a more sustainable gardening practice by maximizing available growing time.