Typically, you think of planting your garden in the spring and summer, and harvesting in the fall. However, some people prefer to plant late in the season, allowing produce to stay stagnant during the winter and harvest in spring. Growing plants during winter can give you fresh vegetables earlier in the season. Learn how to plant during winter and which crops thrive in colder months.
How to Over-Winter Your Plants
- Consider the location: Plan where winter obstacles like snow drifts may accumulate. Ensure your plants receive as much sunlight as possible by avoiding placement near walls.
- Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or shovel to dig at least one foot deep and turn the soil. Adding compost can improve soil quality.
- Plant in mid- to late summer: Over-wintering seeds should be planted early enough for root systems to grow before winter. If it’s too hot, start seedlings indoors under lights.
- Mulch the plants: Apply a thick layer of straw, leaves, or compost around the plants in summer and again in late autumn. This helps protect the soil. In spring, remove the mulch when the sun begins to warm the ground.
Moving Plants Indoors
Depending on your environment, over-wintering plants outside may not be feasible. In such cases, move your plants indoors. Ensure they receive sufficient warmth, light, and water. Choose a location with plenty of natural light, and keep temperatures between 60-70°F, avoiding drops below 40°F at night. Humidity may also be a factor for tropical plants.
What Plants to Grow During Winter
- Onions: Onions are easy to grow over winter and have a long growing season.
- Garlic: Similar to onions, garlic is resilient with a long growing season.
- Perpetual Spinach: Sow in early autumn for tender leaves throughout winter and summer harvesting.
- Broad Beans: Sow in the fall for spring harvesting, about a month earlier than spring-sown beans.
- Peas: Winter-growing varieties like "Kelvedon Wonder" or "Meteor" do well during the colder months.
Growing in a Greenhouse During Winter
Certain plants thrive in cooler temperatures but struggle in frozen ground. These plants grow better inside a greenhouse or sheltered environment like a garage.
- Lettuce: A great plant for cooler temperatures.
- Carrots: Varieties like "Nantes Frubund" are ideal for winter growth.
- Cabbage: Cabbage grows best in northern climates where colder conditions help form larger heads.
- Broccoli: Start growing broccoli at the end of summer for optimal results.
- Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cauliflower prefers colder climates for better growth.
