If you live in an area that experiences particularly cold weather in winter, it can often seem as though nothing will really grow during the harsh season. Especially not vegetables. But, this is not true. Many of the most delicious and popular vegetables can be grown throughout autumn and harvested in winter for comforting soups and stews or even mid-winter salads. Some examples of vegetables that you can harvest in winter are:
Spinach
Sow your spinach in the early months of autumn in open garden beds. If your region experiences temperatures below freezing point, you can make use of polytunnels to protect your seeds from extreme conditions. By sowing the seeds in autumn, you will be able to harvest your leaves throughout the winter and even into spring. Perpetual spinach is usually the best option to grow in winter.
Garlic
Garlic takes a long time to grow. However, it is also a very easy vegetable to grow. Most people plant garlic around mid-autumn. It can then be harvested in the summer. The reason for planting in autumn is so the roots can be formed before temperatures become too cold and frost starts forming on the ground. You should plant your garlic in raised beds and resist the temptation to water it as it gets colder. Frost and rain in the winter months will provide it with more than enough moisture.
Carrots
The best part about growing carrots in the colder months is that the autumn and winter frosts can greatly improve their flavor by making them much sweeter. Sow the seeds in mid-summer, and as soon as it starts to get significantly colder, deep mulch the carrot beds to protect them from the biting frost. To prevent the mulch from blowing away, you can weigh it down with rocks or a cover sheet. For the sweetest winter carrots, the best variant to plant is Napoli.
Kale
Similar to carrots, frost and low temperatures also improve the flavor of kale. Kale generally does best in milder winters. But, with the right protection, it can thrive in colder winters. You can cover the plants using garden fabric to ensure that they last through the cold weather and are safeguarded from wind and insects. Olympic Red and Vates are both suitable winter variants.
Broad Beans
When sown in autumn, broad beans can be harvested very early in spring. Broad beans are particularly hardy when it comes to extreme cold conditions. Some variants can withstand temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). When choosing which broad beans to sow, go for the long pod varieties as they are the hardiest. Broad beans do not require a lot of attention or care. However, if temperatures do drop quite low, you can also cover these with a garden sheet.
Onions and Shallots
Like garlic, onions have a long growing season. If they are planted in autumn, they will be ready next summer. Although winter onions are slightly different from regular onions (because they have a milder taste), they are just as good. Winter onions do not do well in shady areas and should be planted in full sun. You can add a layer of mulch for extra protection from the cold if needed. This is usually not necessary as the onions are underground and protected. They require minimal effort and are so easy to grow. Red and yellow onions are usually among the most popular winter onions.
Lettuce
Many gardeners have dubbed lettuce as one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Although lettuce is generally a summer vegetable, it can be successfully grown in winter given the right amount of care and attention. Start sowing your winter lettuce in late-summer or early-spring to yield winter and autumn crops. Lettuce seeds will struggle to germinate if you sow them in hot weather, so pick a time of day that is cooler (especially if you are sowing in late-summer). Lolla Rossa, Winter Marvel, and Tango are some of the best and more popular winter lettuce varieties.
Tips when growing your vegetables outdoors in the winter:
The best way to ensure that your vegetables can be harvested during the winter is to pick the correct varieties of each one and to plant them at the right time. The colder the climate, the hardier the variety should be. You should plant most of your vegetables from late-summer until mid-autumn if you want to harvest them in the winter. If temperatures do drop and frost starts to form, or if it starts to snow, it is always a good idea to make use of garden sheets and covers or polytunnels. This will only improve your chances of success. Winter gardening is definitely possible and highly rewarding.