If you love gardening, you may not be ready to stop when the weather turns cold. Curious if there’s anything you can grow through the winter? Keep reading as we talk about some top cold-weather crops to try!
A Note on Winter Gardening
Winter crops should usually be planted in the late summer or fall so they have a chance to mature before the first freeze. Even cold-weather crops may not survive if you plant them outside in the middle of winter.
If it’s already late fall or winter, you can still try growing cold-weather crops, but you’ll want to start your seedlings indoors. Keep them in the house until they are mature, taking them outside on nice days to harden off before planting.
Covering your garden plot in black plastic can keep the ground from freezing, making it easier to turn the soil when it’s time to transplant your crops. Plant them on a nice day, then mulch them well or protect them with row cover to help them survive the harsh winter conditions.
All right; now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at the top 10 cold-weather crops for winter gardening.
1. Arugula
Arugula is related to the brassicas, a family containing broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. These plants are known for their cold-hardiness, and arugula’s no exception. It can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. For best results, keep it mulched or beneath a layer of row cover to protect it from harsh winter winds.
2. Beets
Beets are a versatile and nutritious cold-weather crop. Many varieties can survive temperatures down to 10 degrees F. Both the roots and the leaves are edible, though the leaves may die if the temperatures drop too low. In some climates, you can keep beets in the ground all winter long, especially if you cover them with mulch or row cover.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is a highly nutritious cold weather crop and one of most well-known brassicas. It is typically grown in late fall or early spring, though some varieties can overwinter, especially in milder climates. To keep broccoli plants through the winter, grow them in a greenhouse or keep them under row cover. They prefer temperatures in the 40s and 50s but can survive as low as 26 degrees F.
4. Cabbage
This brassica can be grown in some of the coldest regions of the world. It can survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees F. If temperatures drop lower, cover your cabbage plants with mulch or row cover. Good storing cabbages such as golden acre and red acre are usually best for winter gardening.
5. Collards
Collard greens are related to cabbage and have a milder flavor than kale; they make an excellent addition to soups and green smoothies alike. They are also exceptionally cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees F.
6. Kale
Kale is extremely popular for its tangy flavor and multitude of uses. It can be grown year-round and actually develops a sweeter flavor after going through a frost. Some varieties of kale can survive as low as -10 degrees F, making it one of the easiest crops to keep through the winter.
7. Leeks
Leeks are related to onions and garlic, both of which are also cold-hardy. Some leek varieties can survive harsh winter weather with little or no protection, even when temperatures drop to 20 degrees F or lower.
8. Radicchio
Radicchio is a delicious peppery vegetable that looks similar to lettuce or cabbage. Like kale, it becomes sweeter after a frost and can handle temperatures that routinely drop into the 20s. In many regions, it can survive through the winter without protection.
9. Spinach
Spinach is well-known for its cold-hardiness and is one of the most popular green leafy vegetables. It can survive temperatures as low as 15 degrees F, so in many areas it can be grown year-round. If temperatures drop too low in your area, consider growing spinach in a greenhouse or covering it on the coldest nights.
10. Turnips
Yet another member of the brassica family, turnips taste sweeter after a frost and routinely tolerate temperatures in the 20s. Extreme cold may damage the leaves but will not impact the roots. Covering your turnips with mulch or row cover will help them tolerate cold temperatures better and may allow them to overwinter in some regions.
Enjoy Fresh Veggies All Winter Long
Growing cold-weather crops can not only give you something fun to do in the winter; it can provide a steady stream of fresh produce even through the coldest months. If you’re ready to plant your winter garden, head over to our shop for an assortment of cold-weather crop seeds!
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