Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Do you want to grow vegetables all year round? Do you want to know what vegetables to grow in winter? Start by looking at your region’s growing season. If you are in a warm region where the growing season lasts all year long, you won’t need to follow any special instructions.
Many vegetables thrive in cold temperatures, and some vegetables even like it. You must plan your winter garden now if you want to be successful.
When Should You Let Vegetables Grow in Winter
The type of vegetable that you are planting will determine the best time to plant winter crops. Some vegetables must be planted in the middle of summer to be harvested in the middle to late winter.
You can stagger your planting to ensure that you have different crops at different times. This will ensure you have plenty of fresh vegetables. You should also change the season when you plant them. Some plants won’t produce any in winter.
Remember that crops tend to grow slower during cold seasons. You need to plan your planting well in advance if you want them to be ready for harvest when they are. Some vegetables taste better when they have been frozen. Take carrots, for example. Many gardeners choose to expose their carrots to light frost. The same applies to a few other plants.
Protecting the Winter Crops
You can protect your vegetables from frost by placing them in a greenhouse or cold frame. Mulch can be used to protect the roots of the plant from frost and cold. Some vegetables can survive in extremely cold temperatures without any protection. This is particularly true for vegetables that can grow in snow.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to protect your plants from harsh weather. To protect your plants at night, you can just place a thin sheet of cloth over them. You should always open the plants in the morning.
Your plants might not be able to get enough sunlight if they are kept closed up. Winter sun is already very weak, so ensure they get as much sunlight as possible.
Starting a Garden of Vegetables to Grow in Winter
Start by placing your seeds in a tray. This will ensure the best results. While they are growing into mature seedlings, keep them in a protected place such as a greenhouse. Turn your garden over, add compost, and then plant your seedlings. Row covers are necessary to protect your seedlings until they can withstand the cold.
Best Vegetables to Grow In Winter Season
Cauliflower
There are many varieties and harvest times. This crop should not mature in the middle of summer. It is best for them to mature in winter. The cold can slow down growth and prevent heads from splitting. Cauliflower grows best at temperatures ranging from 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit).
To ensure that your cauliflower does not all ripen at once, you can stagger the planting. You’ll always have fresh vegetables. You should also ensure that you choose the right variety for your season. Some varieties of cauliflower can ripen in summer, despite the heat.
Broccoli
Broccoli, another member of the brassica family, is one of the best choices of vegetables to grow in winter. Plan your planting time so that your broccoli is ready for harvest in winter.
For the best ripening of the head, it is important to keep it at 24°C (75°F). This is because the plant’s growth will slow down, which gives the flower more nutrients. This makes it easier for the head to grow without dividing into separate flowers.
You can grow this plant in full sun or part shade. However, it must be properly fed and watered. A ruined crop will be the result of not providing what it requires.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of the cool-season vegetables to grow in winter. Even though they can handle short periods of freezing, they won’t grow sprouts if it snows or stays cold for a long time. If your soil temperature drops below -12°C (-10°F), it’s better to plant them in a greenhouse.
Brussels sprouts should be harvested in the late fall or winter. You can plant your seeds 3 to 6 months before the harvest depending on which variety you choose. They thrive in temperatures between 7-24°C (45-75°F) However, they can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) for short periods.
Cabbage
It is best to not harvest this crop in the middle of summer, depending on which variety. Plant different varieties that mature at different times to stagger your harvest. Some varieties prefer to ripen in the summer. You can eat cabbage throughout the year.
Cabbage seeds can germinate at temperatures as low as 4°C (40°F). This allows you to sow cabbage seeds even in winter. However, you will need to protect your seedlings so make sure to use planting trays to plant them or cover them with row covers.
The ideal temperature for cabbage growth is between 13-24°C (55 to 75°F).
Carrots
You might be able to grow them anytime you want if you keep them covered in winter. They prefer loose soil with no rocks and soil temperatures between 7 and 30°C (45 to 85°F).
These delicious vegetables can only be grown if you choose the right varieties. For winter, the best varieties are those that mature quickly. These carrots are sometimes called candy carrots. This is because carrots taste sweeter after they have been frost-treated. Cool temperatures are best for carrots, which should be between 13 and 24°Celsius (55 to 75°F).
Celery
Celery likes to grow in cool areas between 15°C & 21°C (60 – 70°F). These plants will need to be protected against snow and frost in colder areas. This can be done by placing them in greenhouses or cold frames.
You can harvest the plant at any time, without causing harm. Just remove the stalks from the outside of your plant. Celery plants will cease to grow if they are exposed to hard frost. Cover them at night to prevent this.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are the cold-hardiest of all species in the brassica family. It is best to harvest them before the spring arrives. The leaves will become bitter once they begin to flower.
You can keep them fresher for longer periods of time by placing them in cold rooms. This can delay flowering slightly. To get the best results, keep your plants at temperatures between 13-24°C (55-75°F)
Green Onions
Green onions are very resilient plants. They can withstand the cold in all zones of hardiness. You can usually harvest them once they reach maturity. You should not eat them after they begin to bloom.
Protect your plants in areas where frost is likely to occur to ensure they survive winter. Green onions can be grown at 20-25°C (68-77°F) To get the best results, grow them in a greenhouse.
Kale
Kale is one the most resilient vegetables. It can withstand temperatures as low at -24°C (-10°F), but thrives best when temperatures are between 13 and 24°C (55 to 75°F).
Kale can be grown in winter with minimal effort. This plant doesn’t require any care. You don’t have to feed or water the plant after it freezes. It will just exist and grow again once the ground thaws. Keep your kale in a greenhouse or cold frame to ensure it doesn’t get frosty.
Leeks
In winter, leeks make a great ground plant. The snow will keep mature leeks fresh for a long time. You can harvest them when you are ready. Plant your leeks as soon as possible to ensure that they are mature before the first frost.
Leeks thrive when the temperature is below 24°C (75°F). Leeks are best sown in spring and are usually planted in containers and then transplanted to the garden. After their growth is complete, the leeks can be harvested in late autumn or winter.
Mustard
Mustard can be very picky in hot conditions. You will not be able to harvest the mustard greens if it goes to seed quickly. To get the best results, plant mustard leaves in autumn and every 4 to six weeks thereafter. Germination may be difficult if soil temperature drops below 4°C (40°F). Make sure you harvest the last bunch before it reaches 24°C in spring.
Parsnips
Parsnips are notoriously difficult to grow. People often try to grow them in the wrong season. Parsnips are cool season vegetables and prefer frost to get the best flavor.
Parsnips with some frost will have a stronger and sweeter taste than parsnips grown in other seasons. Frost causes starch in the root’s to become sugar. Parsnips that were harvested in winter will most likely have a nutty taste.
This will allow your parsnips at least two weeks to reach temperatures between 0-4°C (32-40°F) in order to achieve this result. The plant will slow down and convert starch into sugar in its root to survive.
Radish
Radishes can withstand frost. Radishes can even withstand severe freezes, which can cause damage to the leaves. The leaves will recover from the roots once they have defrosted. Radishes will develop a stronger flavor after they have been frost-treated, just like parsnips.
Radishes can survive temperatures as low at -6°C (20°F). They like temperatures between 4-21°C (40-60°F). You can also plant your radishes outdoors in winter. You can eat them as soon as you want.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard can be used as a dual vegetable. This vegetable can grow well in both hot summers and freezing winters. In fact, it may taste even better if it has some frost. However, swiss Chard should not be grown in areas with temperatures below 15°F (-9°C).
To provide some protection for your plants, you can use a greenhouse or cold frame. You can also allow them to overwinter and harvest the next year with some protection.
