Top 5 Crops to Grow During the Winter: A Beginner’s Guide to Winter Gardening
Winter may seem like a time when your garden should hibernate, but with the right crops and techniques, your garden can thrive even in the colder months!
I didn’t learn this until having a few years under my belt. But I was missing out on an entire season. And one that helped produce more sugars in some of these vegetables that actually made them taste better!
So after I perfected my seed starting, garden planning and I successfully was able to grow my spring, summer and fall garden, I finally decided to take on the winter garden. Winter gardening is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Whether you're growing for a fresh harvest or aiming to extend your growing season, winter crops are a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 5 crops to grow during the winter and how to keep them happy and healthy with simple overwintering techniques.
1. Kale: The Cold-Hardy Superstar
Kale is the king of winter greens. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also becomes sweeter as the temperatures drop, making it a must-have for your winter garden. Kale can withstand frost and even light snow, making it one of the hardiest crops to grow in winter. This makes it a crop in our area that can grow all year long!!
Overwintering Tip: For long-term growth, use a cold frame to protect your kale from extreme cold. A thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help insulate the roots and retain moisture. With these simple techniques, your kale can provide fresh greens throughout the winter months.
2. Garlic: Plant in Fall, Harvest in Summer
Garlic is a fantastic crop to plant in late fall for a summer harvest. It’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much space, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. I always remember to plant my garlic right before Halloween because of all the vampires about. Ha! Once planted, garlic will quietly grow throughout the winter, developing its strong flavor.Keep in mind the real estate it’s taking up in your spring and summer garden before harvest. It’s absolutely worth it.
Overwintering Tip: Mulch is your best friend when it comes to garlic. A thick layer of straw or shredded leaves will protect your garlic from the harsh winter temperatures. Garlic is low-maintenance, but keeping it covered ensures that it survives even the coldest winters.
3. Brussels Sprouts: Cold-Weather Delights
Brussels sprouts are another cold-hardy crop that benefits from cooler temperatures. These little cabbage-like sprouts improve in flavor after being exposed to frost, making them a perfect winter vegetable. I love planting them in the fall after the bugs have gone and letting them grow all winter if I can. There are no cabbage moths or white flies like there are in the spring. So this veggie is soo much easier for me at this time of year.
Overwintering Tip: Brussels sprouts can stand up to frost, but for prolonged cold or a row cover will help protect the plants from freezing temperatures. Make sure to stake the plants to prevent them from toppling over in winter winds. Regularly check that the soil isn’t waterlogged, as this can damage the roots.
4. Carrots: Sweet and Crunchy Winter Treats
Carrots are a root vegetable that can be harvested well into winter.This is the vegetable that got me into the Washington Post’s article about what vegetables can grow in the winter. They actually become sweeter when grown in cold weather as their sugars are produced more in the winter to protect their cellulose from freezing. It makes them a delightful addition to your winter garden.
Overwintering Tip: Mulch heavily over your carrot beds once the tops have started to die back. This will protect the carrots from freezing and allow you to harvest them as needed throughout the winter. For extra protection, consider using a cold frame, especially if you live in an area with particularly harsh winters.
5. Spinach: The Winter Green Machine
Spinach is a quick-growing leafy green that thrives in cooler weather. It can be planted in the fall and harvested throughout the winter, making it an ideal crop for continuous winter gardening.
Overwintering Tip: Spinach is hardy, but protecting it with a row cover or cold frame will extend its growing season. Mulching around the plants will also help retain soil moisture and prevent the roots from freezing. Spinach can survive under snow, so don’t be afraid to let it brave the elements with some protection.
How to Get Started with Winter Gardening
Winter gardening might sound challenging, but with the right crops and overwintering techniques, it can be a breeze! Start by choosing cold-hardy crops like kale, garlic, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and spinach. Then, prepare your garden with mulching and if needed, row covers or even cold frames to protect your plants from harsh weather. In our area, northern Virginia, we need very little intervention with our mild winters so a row cover has been all I’ve really needed.
Transitioning into winter gardening opens up new possibilities for your garden. It allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round and keeps your green thumb active even in the coldest months. It keeps those small achievable wins coming through a season that often gets the majority of us in a bad way. I always recommend to anyone who has a hard time in the winter to grow something. The life, the care, the growth, all helps to release soo many good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin into your body when you need it the most! If you’re ready to take the plunge into winter gardening but feel unsure where to start, now is the perfect time to seek expert advice.
Book a fall garden consultation today and let’s get started! Whether you need help planning your garden, choosing the right crops, or setting up your winter protection, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Now let’s get growing!
