You don’t have to stop gardening when the temperatures dip below freezing. If you are looking for winter vegetables to grow, check out these frost-resistant vegetables to grow this winter.
Not much gardening happens over the winter period. This is the time when people unplug and sit in wait for the spring season. However, if you are an adept farmer, you would want to take advantage of the winter season as well and extend your growing season. Although fewer vegetables can withstand subzero temperatures, there are a number of vegetables and flowers you can plant over the winter period and have a decent harvest come spring time.
In this article, we will share some of our favorite winter vegetables to grow.
Top 12 Vegetables to Grow this Winter
1. Garlic
This is a common winter vegetable owing to the fact that it can withstand cold weather quite well. You will need to select the best variety to grow over the winter. Garlic is a perennial crop, meaning that it still does well in warmer temperatures and other seasons of the year. Here is how to grow garlic from cloves.
2. Kale
Kale is surprisingly hardy. Even when I lived in an area where temperatures dropped to -7 Fahrenheit, the kale survived. Snow is a good insulator! If you want fresh greens all winter long, I advise planting kale. Here are some tips on growing kale.
3. Spring onions
Just like garlic, these are also easy to grow. They are a common feature on our kitchen table. For higher chances of success, give them a loose and well-drained soil. Here are some tips on growing green onions.
4. Spinach
Spinach, while an annual, is a crop that you can find growing from fall through spring. Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and they have also been noted to withstand the cold climate of the winter. Sow them before frost sets in to increase their chances of success. Here is how to grow spinach from seed to harvest.
5. Beets
These red root delicacies are also very easy to grow and they are frost resistant. They require well-drained soil to do well. Not only can you eat the roots, but the leaves are edible as well. Tear the leaves and add them to a salad. Here is some more information on growing beets.
6. Lettuce
Just like spinach, lettuce is also cold-hardy and perennial. There are numerous varieties which can withstand the winter temperatures without a complaint. Here is a guide on growing lettuce.
7. Radishes
Radishes also do well indoors and you can grow a considerable harvest in pots and cans. They are also cold-hardy but they do not do so well when frost sets in. Here are some tips for growing radishes that will make it easy to add this hardy vegetable to your garden.
8. Broccoli
This tasty vegetable packs a lot of nutrients and with the added benefit of that it can grow in the winter, it becomes a darling to many farmers. Although it is perennial, it can withstand frostbites to a considerable extent and offer you harvest during winter. Here are some tips for growing broccoli to help you get started.
9. Carrots
As the temperatures become colder, the sweetness in carrots keeps rising. However, they will not grow long and robust because of the dilapidating weather conditions. Carrots require well-drained soils to thrive and you might also need to protect them from frosting by applying mulch. Here are some tips for growing carrots.
10. Peas
Peas are also frost resistant and they are an excellent vegetable to consider for the winter season. Plant them late in the summer if you are looking to harvest somewhere in the fall. This will allow them to sprout and get well established when the soil is still warm. Here are some tips for growing peas in the garden.
11. Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard, like kale, is very hardy and can survive extremely cold conditions. Both the leaves and the stems are edible. Use the stems like you would celery. Here are some tips on growing Swiss Chard.
12. Broad beans
To have better success at growing broad beans (also known as fava beans), you will need to sow them in autumn as they love the warm soil during the sprouting phase. Make sure that the soil is well drained and loose enough to accommodate the crop. Although they are resistant to cold, they might go under if there is too much frost.
Bonus: Frost-Resistant Herbs
You don’t have to grow all of your herbs indoors in the winter. Both Chives and Curly Parsley can survive cold winters. Chives add a mild onion flavor and parsley will add color to a variety of dishes. Here are tips on growing chives and here are some tips on growing parsley.
More Winter Gardening Tips
7 Annuals You Can Bring Indoors During the Winter
Winter Vegetable Gardening Guide for Milder Climates
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