Winter is coming. And so are the cold, dark days of winter. But don't despair! There are ways to bring life into your garden in the winter months by growing certain crops that can withstand frost and cold temperatures.
*Keep in mind that all the greens and vegetables mentioned will NOT survive the entire winter if your temps are very low. In Wisconsin, I have had some types of kale made through the winters here but very rarely. *
One great way to bring life into your garden in the winter is to grow cold-resistant crops. These are plants that can withstand frost and cold temperatures, so they're perfect for gardening during the winter months. Some good examples of cold-resistant crops include kale, spinach, collards, and chard.
Another great option for growing in the winter is to plant root vegetables. Root vegetables are hearty plants that can withstand colder temperatures, and they also taste great! Some good examples of root vegetables include carrots, beets, and turnips.
If you want to have something different in your garden for the winter months, why not try growing some? Herbs make a great addition to grow inside your home or in a greenhouse, and they can also give your winter dishes that extra bit of flavor. Some good examples of herbs to grow during the winter include basil, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, chives, and rosemary.
No matter what you will choose to grow in your garden during the winter months, make sure you keep your eye on the weather forecast and make sure to protect your plants when necessary. With a bit of preparation and some basic knowledge about cold-resistant crops and root vegetables, you can help bring life back into your garden during the bleakest parts of the year!
The Best Winter Crop Veggies to Grow!
Kale
The kale plant is a hardy one. It can withstand frost and cold temperatures, making it the perfect crop to grow in the winter months. Kale is a sturdy plant that doesn't mind the cold, and it actually tastes better when it's been exposed to a little bit of frost.
Kale is a great addition to any garden during the winter months. It's easy to grow, and it doesn't require a lot of care or attention. In fact, kale can pretty much take care of itself. All you need to do is be sure that the soil is well-drained and that the kale gets plenty of sunlight.
Spinach
The spinach plant is another cool-weather crop that can be grown in the winter months. Like kale, spinach is a hardy plant that can withstand frost and cold temperatures. And like kale, spinach also tastes better when it's been exposed to a little bit of frost.
Spinach is a fast-growing plant that doesn't mind the cold. It's quick to bolt when it gets too hot, but it thrives in colder weather conditions. Like kale, spinach also requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Beets
Like other root vegetables, beets are hearty plants that can withstand frost and cold temperatures. The beet crop makes for an excellent addition to any winter garden since they're easy to grow while still tasting great!
Beets come in many different varieties with some being better suited than others depending on where you live. You can harvest them throughout the year or just during certain times of the year, and they're also a great crop if you want to add some color to your garden during the winter months.
Herbs
A good inside idea if you have space would be growing herbs. Some examples of these are basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano. They will all grow well indoors or in a greenhouse during the winter months. Herbs have many uses for both cooking and medicine so they are definitely worth growing if you can manage it!
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Oregano
Collards
The collard plant is a cold-hardy green that can survive a few light frosts.
Collards taste just as good in the wintertime and will continue to produce throughout the season if you protect them from frost with row covers. They're also versatile enough that they should be easy to incorporate into your holiday meals!
Chard
Chard is a cold-hardy vegetable that can be grown in the early autumn and into the winter. It prefers cool temperatures and will tolerate light frosts. Chard can be planted in late summer or early fall and will produce leaves for harvesting until the first frost.
Claytonia
Claytonia is an herb that prefers cool temperatures and light frost. It can be planted in the late summer or early fall for leaves to be harvested all winter long. Claytonia is a great addition to salads and can also be used as a garnish.
Radishes
Radishes are a great fall crop because they are very hardy to the cold. As well as being hardy, radishes are also rich in nitrates which are good for the heart.
Radishes are very easy to grow and are often sown directly into the ground. The harvest time for radishes is about four months, so it is important to plant enough so that there will be some leftover even after the first frost.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a very cold-hardy vegetable. Lettuce will grow quickly in the cooler weather and can still produce even if there are light frosts. Lettuce will not suffer frost damage like some other vegetables. One of the coolest things about lettuce is that it can be grown year-round, making it a good crop for people who want to lay down crops for fresh eating throughout the winter!
Green Onions
Green onions are hardy and can tolerate the cold. Green onions grow back after they freeze and it doesn't really affect them. They can be planted in the late summer or the early fall and grow on through the winter months.
Green onions are biennial plants and will flower and go to seed following the winter months. I usually end up leaving some in the ground throughout a Wisconsin winter and do fine.
With the help of our 10 winter crops to plant in October list, you can plan ahead for a bountiful harvest that will keep your family well-fed all through the cold season. ? Comment below if this list has helped you with any questions!
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