The Ultimate Guide to Winter Gardening: 45 Crops You Can Grow

How do you grow a garden in the winter?

Most people think the only time you can plant a garden is in the warmer months and then it's harvested in the fall. This is true for some plant varieties but it's also possible to plant vegetables later in the season to put them in dormancy so that they can be harvested in the spring. We'll explain how to grow a bountiful garden in the winter!

One benefit of growing plants in the winter is that it allows you to harvest them earlier on in Spring. Read on about which plants you should grow in the winter months.

How do I save my plants over the winter?

1. Think about where you plants  are growing, are they in containers? A raised bed? You'll want to grow in a location that snow drifts and other winter dangers could damage your plants once the snow hits. You also want to choose a location that gets a decent amount of sun. Even though the sun will not be as bright as it would during the summer months it's still important for the plants to continue to undergo photosynthesis.

2. To start, get a shovel and loosen the soil and break up any clumps of dirt, discard any rocks and prepare a good compost material to include with your crops. Dig a hole that is about 1 food into the ground, and add some compost mix to bring nutrition to the roots throughout the winter.

3. Choose the seeds that you'd like to over-winter and plant them in late summer. You might want to consider growing them under grow lights for a short period of time to strengthen their root systems. Using crushed eggshells and worm castings is an excellent way to boost root production.

4. Once your plants or seeds are in the ground you'll want to mulch them twice - once in the summer and then again around September when it starts to cool off. This could be anything from straw, leaves, or a rich compost. This will help protect the plant from harsh weather.

It's absolutely normal to lose a plant or two, it just happens. Winter farmers actually account for this loss when they grow their own crops.

Can you bring outdoor plants inside for the winter?

Yes, in some climates it's just not possible to grow plants outdoors during the winter. In this instance you'll need to plant them in containers. (There's a ton of resources on container gardening)

Once these plants are moved inside, they don't really need much attention. They just need to be kept at a steady temperature above 40 degrees and be sure that they are watered - but sparingly. Only when the top 2 inches are dry. The trick to growing plants indoors is that you need to find a place that will get enough natural light for the plant to thrive. It also wouldn't hurt to spray them every once in awhile to keep the humidity in check.

What plants grow well in winter?

The plants that grow well in winter are plants that have long growing seasons. Onions, garlic, spinach, beans, etc. are all excellent cold water crops because they require little care and are packed full of nutrients which promotes sustainability. 

Some of the plants that thrive in a greenhouse during the winter include:

1. Onions
2. Garlic
3. Perpetual spinach
4. Broad beans
5. Peas
6. Lettuce
7. Carrots
8. Cabbage
9. Broccoli
10. Cauliflower
11. Kale
12. Chard
13. Mustard greens
14. Arugula
15. Radishes
16. Turnips
17. Beets
18. Brussels sprouts
19. Winter squash
20. Jerusalem artichokes
21. Parsnips
22. Chinese cabbage
23. Pak choi
24. Tatsoi
25. Mizuna
26. Endive
27. Escarole
28. Chicory
29. Collard greens
30. Bok choy
31. Komatsuna
32. Spinach
33. Swiss chard
34. Fennel
35. Leeks
36. Snow peas
37. Sugar snap peas
38. Broccoli raab
39. Radicchio
40. Rutabagas
41. Daikon radishes
42. Winter lettuces
43. Sorrel
44. Watercress
45. Microgreens

Note: It's important to note that some of these crops may require additional protection, such as cold frames or row covers, depending on the climate and location.

Which Vegetables grow well in pots?

Growing vegetables in pots and containers is a great option for those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers or those with small backyards. Some vegetables that grow well in pots include:

1. Beans: Beans are a great choice for container gardening as they can grow upwards with support, taking up less space. You can grow bush beans or pole beans, depending on the size of your container.

2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in pots. They need a sunny location, a good quality potting mix, and regular watering.

3. Peppers: Peppers can be grown in pots as long as they receive enough sunlight and warmth. You can grow different varieties, such as bell peppers, jalapenos, or chili peppers.

4. Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that can be grown in pots. They are great for adding to salads or as a snack.

5. Herbs: Many herbs grow well in pots and containers, such as basil, parsley, chives, and thyme. They add flavor to your meals and are easy to care for.

Conclusion

Growing a winter garden can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, healthy produce throughout the colder months. With the right preparation and planning, you can grow a variety of vegetables and herbs even in harsh winter conditions. Whether you choose to grow in a greenhouse, containers, or in the ground, make sure to choose the right plants for your area and provide them with the right growing conditions to ensure a bountiful harvest.