What Are the Top Common Veggies That Can Be Planted During Winter?
Most people think of Springtime as the best time to start a garden. Although starting a garden during the colder months sounds counterintuitive, you can still have a lush and high-yielding vegetable garden throughout every season. In fact, knowing which vegetables to grow in later seasons can actually help prepare your soil for a more bountiful and abundant garden in late Winter and early Spring. Knowing this, which vegetables should you grow in your Winter garden?
What are Winter Vegetables?
Winter vegetables, also known as “hardy vegetables” or “cold-weather vegetables”, are edible garden plants that can survive or grow well in colder temperatures. Starting your Winter vegetables in late Summer to Fall can give your garden a good head start, as your winter harvest will be ready just in time for late Winter or early Spring! But, what are the most common veggies that can be planted during winter? Starting a Winter garden that includes any of these cold-resistant plants can provide you with fresh vegetables for you and your family to enjoy all year long.
Top Common Vegetables to Grow in Winter
1. Brassica oleracea var. Italica (Brocolli)
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli thrive in cold weather. Brocolli seeds can germinate at temperatures as low as 40℉ and can grow well through direct seeding methods in the late Summer to early Autumn months. Although broccoli is a cool-weather vegetable, freezing temperatures can hinder growth in even the most winter-hardy plants when they are young. When temperatures dip below 32℉, it’s important to provide your broccoli plants with extra protection from the elements such as mulch, straw, or other forms of insulation.
2. Allium ampeloprasum (Leeks)
Allium ampeloprasum, more commonly known as Leeks, is a winter-hardy member of the onion family. As such, Allium ampeloprasum is a great root vegetable variety to include in your Winter garden. These root vegetables are popular in gardens year-round but are especially appreciated in the Winter months because of their cold-hardiness. Allium ampeloprasum can survive in temperatures as low as 12 ℉ (-10 ℃). Allium ampeloprasum can be planted several weeks before the last frost date and harvested in the Spring and early summer. This makes Leeks a popular vegetable in many winter gardens.
3. Brassica oleracea acephala (Kale)
Brassica oleracea acephala, also known as Kale, belongs to the same family as other Brassica oleracea cultivars. This includes vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and more. Kale is a hardy biennial plant that is extremely resistant to mild winter conditions. In fact, Kale can withstand temperatures as low as 20 ℉ Fahrenheit before needing insulation like mulch or another similar ground cover. Because Kale is a biennial, you can allow it to continue growing in your garden after harvesting in Fall. It grows throughout winter to produce even more Kale in springtime. Because of this, growing kale in winter is a great way to keep your home stocked up on leafy greens all year.
4. Daucus carota (Carrots)
Carrots are cold-weather resistant root vegetables that can thrive in temperatures as low as 18°F (-8°C). Because of carrots’ ability to survive through the colder seasons, paired with their commonly reported sweeter taste after frost, they’re a popular cold-weather resident in many Winter gardens around the world. The best time to plant carrots is in late summer or 10 weeks before the first frost. If severe frost persists through the winter, it may be necessary to provide a layer of mulch or other ground protection.
5. Beta vulgaris (Beets)
Beta vulgaris, also known as beets or beetroot, is a popular vegetable in cold-weather gardens. Beets can be sown in Fall and allowed to overwinter in mild climates up to 12 weeks before the first frost. Although beets can withstand temperatures around 30°F for sustained periods, severe winter chill can still be a concern. As with all wintering plants, if temperatures fall below 25°F, covering your plants or taking potted plants inside may be necessary to keep your plants from freezing.
Final Tips For Common Winter Vegetables
Whichever cool weather varieties you choose to include in your winter garden, it’s important to remember that even the most resilient of winter vegetables can get too cold sometimes. So, depending on how cold your garden gets in the Winter, you may need to cover your plants to keep them from freezing. The best way to keep your plants warm during winter is by using mulch, a cold frame, or another similar ground cover method.