By Jim McCausland, Sunset senior garden writer

Even before the weather clears and the soil warms up, you can start several leaf vegetables from seed. One of my favorites is Micro Greens Mild Mix from Botanical Interests in Broomfield, CO (800-486-2647). It’s a mix of beets, pak choi, kohlrabi, red cabbage, and Swiss chard, all chosen to be harvested within a month, when the baby greens are just 2 or 3 inches tall.

All are distinctively full flavored — perfect to use in soups, as garnishes, or in winter salads. Just cut them off with scissors at harvest time (then you won’t have to wash dirt off their roots), and they’re ready to eat.