I have always enjoyed going into my backyard and harvesting veggies for a meal, but I find it even more exciting during winter. I often continue growing into the winter by protecting my fall garden beds that get the most sunlight during winter. As the temperature drops for weeks at a time, I cover the beds with arches and thick row cover and/or 6-mil clear plastic sheeting — which helps trap in heat.
You can follow several different methods to create covered arches for your outdoor beds from pressing metal arches into the ground, creating triangle arches by attaching metal racks or windows. As well as various other options such as arched, flip-back or removable PVC arched covers. All of these simple protection methods, combined with growing in your greenhouse, are great ways to prolong your growing season or start a winter garden.
Late winter weather can be unpredictable, from harsh freezes to spring-like warmer spells. I’ve often started indoor seeding for my spring garden by January and February, which lets me plant many of my cold-hardy transplants — brassicas, leaf lettuces, onions and scallions — in those protected beds.
When the ground is not frozen, (either on a sunny day or just after rain), I plant some transplants and direct sow root vegetables such as carrots, beets, turnips, and daikon.
It may be surprising but I’ve found growing in the winter to be less demanding, even though the plants may grow slower, because there are fewer bugs and weeds to fight. However, I do take care when planting to not disturb overwintering insects. For my transplants, a spade tool to part the soil or round pipe the size of my plant plugs works well to clear space for planting.
The great thing about direct planting root vegetables is that they can be planted a quarter-inch deep. Simply draw a shallow line in the soil and sprinkle in the seeds, then lightly pat the same soil back over the top, lightly water and then cover to keep warm. This is quick and requires little effort.
Consider trying your hand at winter gardening. Here’s a list of cold hardy plants; however, select varieties that match your region and check your local area extension office.
Brassicas (transplant): bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, mustard greens
Leafy greens (transplant): arugula, leaf lettuces, mizuna, spinach
Onions (transplant): bunching and bulging onions, leeks, shallots
Herbs (transplant): cilantro, chives, dill, parsley
Root vegetables (direct sow): beets, carrots, daikon, rutabagas, turnips
Happy Gardening!
Shana
