Winter Gardening: 10 Cold-Hardy Vegetables to Grow and Tips for Success
Who says your gardening adventures have to come to an end after the first fall frost? With the right selection of cold-hardy vegetables, you can keep your garden thriving even through the winter months. While popular veggies like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are well-known for their ability to withstand cool weather, there are plenty of other options to explore as well. From leafy greens to root crops, there is a wide variety of delicious vegetables that can thrive in colder temperatures. So, let’s dive into the world of winter gardening and discover 10 vegetables that you can grow during the winter season.
Which Vegetables Are Cold-Hardy?
When it comes to winter gardening, there are a variety of cold-hardy vegetables to choose from. While spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are some of the most popular choices, there are also several lesser-known options to consider. Here are some cold-hardy vegetables that you can grow during the winter season:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Rutabaga
- Cabbage
- Carrots
These vegetables can withstand cooler temperatures and even improve in flavor when exposed to cold weather. So, let’s explore each of these vegetables in more detail and learn how to care for them during the winter months.
Spinach
To grow a successful winter crop of spinach, it’s essential to wait until the soil temperatures have dropped below 70 °F before planting the seeds. Spinach requires around six weeks of cool air temperatures and a soil temperature above 40 °F to grow from seed to maturity. Some recommended cold-hardy spinach varieties include:
- Bloomsdale
- Tyee
- Space
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Days to Maturity: 40-50 days
Winter Onions
If you’re looking to grow onions during the winter, consider planting winter onions in the fall for a spring harvest. Winter onions, such as scallions, can slowly grow during the winter months and be ready for harvest in the spring. Some recommended cold-hardy onion varieties include:
- Evergreen Bunching
- Warrior
- White Lisbon
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 80-100 days
Leeks
Leeks are known for their cold-hardy nature, with young plants tolerating light frost and mature plants surviving heavy frosts. While they have a long growing season, it’s possible to grow leeks in milder climates during the fall and winter months. Some recommended cold-hardy leek varieties include:
- King Richard
- Tadorna
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
Rutabaga
Rutabagas require about three months of cool weather to grow successfully. In colder climates, it’s best to start the seeds in mid-to-late summer to ensure they mature in the fall. Rutabagas can withstand multiple frosts and often taste better after exposure to cold weather. Some recommended cold-hardy rutabaga varieties include:
- Joan
- Laurentian
- American Purple Top
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
Broccoli
While broccoli can thrive in cooler temperatures, it’s essential to select a variety with a longer growth cycle for a successful fall crop. Broccoli grows best in temperatures between 40 and 70 °F, making it ideal for mild winter climates. Some recommended cold-hardy broccoli varieties include:
- Belstar
- Green Magic
- Waltham 29
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
Kale
Kale is a versatile and cold-hardy vegetable that can be harvested in the fall and winter months. Plant kale in late summer for a late fall or winter harvest, allowing mature plants to withstand even snowy conditions. Some recommended cold-hardy kale varieties include:
- Winterbor
- Red Russian
- Lacinato
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 50-70 days
Corn Salad
Also known as mâche, corn salad is a slow-to-germinate crop that rewards gardeners with tasty, rosette-shaped leaves. Plant corn salad in the fall for a winter harvest, ensuring soil temperatures are between 50 and 70 °F. Some recommended cold-hardy corn salad varieties include:
- Vit
- Large-seeded
- Dutch Broadleaf
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
Radish
Radishes are one of the fastest-maturing cold-hardy crops, making them a great option for winter gardening. While some specialty radishes have longer growing periods, many varieties can be ready for harvest within a few weeks. Some recommended cold-hardy radish varieties include:
- Cherry Belle
- French Breakfast
- Watermelon
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 20-60 days
Turnip
Turnips are a versatile vegetable that can be grown for both their roots and greens. Plant turnips in the fall, allowing them to mature in about two months. These cold-hardy vegetables can withstand moderate frost but should be harvested before the ground freezes. Some recommended cold-hardy turnip varieties include:
- Purple Top White Globe
- Tokyo Cross
- Oasis
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 50-70 days
Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is an excellent cold-hardy vegetable that can be planted in midsummer for a fall harvest. It’s important to plant napa cabbage early enough to ensure fully mature heads before the onset of fall frosts. Some recommended cold-hardy napa cabbage varieties include:
- Blues
- Michihli
- Fun Jen
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Days to Maturity: 70-80 days
Winter Gardening Tips and Resources
While growing cold-hardy vegetables in the winter can be a rewarding experience, it’s essential to provide them with the care they need to thrive. Here are some tips for successful winter gardening:
- Keep an eye on soil temperatures: Monitor soil temperatures to ensure they are suitable for germination and growth.
- Provide protection: Use row covers, cold frames, or mulch to protect your crops from extreme cold temperatures.
- Water wisely: Water your winter crops sparingly, as they require less moisture in cooler weather.
- Harvest regularly: Continuously harvest your winter vegetables to promote growth and prevent overcrowding.
- Experiment with season extenders: Consider using hoop houses, greenhouses, or other season extenders to lengthen your growing season.
For more information on winter gardening and cold-hardy vegetables, check out these additional resources:
- These Cold-Hardy Vegetables May Stick It Out Through Winter – Oregon State University Extension Service.
- Cool-season vs. Warm-season Vegetables – PennState Extension.
- Growing Broccoli in Home Gardens – University of Minnesota Extension.
With the right selection of cold-hardy vegetables and a bit of winter gardening know-how, you can enjoy fresh produce straight from your garden all season long. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and start planting your winter vegetable garden today!
Happy gardening!🌱
