Wonderful Winter Veggies!

As the new year dawns, we might be beginning to settle in for the winter ahead, and for many, the taste of fresh produce is something that is quickly fading. Although modern life has made it possible for many to consume fresh fruits and vegetables year round, there’s nothing as tasty as something you nurture to fruition yourself. Fortunately, with a little bit of work and the help of a cold-frame or hoop house, you can still have your own harvest right through the depths of winter.

Whatever method you choose to use, there are a number of a great, nutrient-rich options that you can grow. Most winter gardens focus on 3 vegetable categories; dark leafy greens, root vegetables, and alliums.

Spinach and Kale are the two go-to crops for many winter gardeners, and they are probably the most cold hardy of the bunch. These will be your best options if you want to grow greens outside of a cold-frame or hoop house. This is a great way to get the most out of unused space and to save your warmer areas for some other things. If you want to experiment with some other greens, claytonia and endive are perhaps more interesting options and will add something a little bit different to your winter plate.

When selecting root vegetables for the winter, we like to think of options that offer up many different opportunities for the dinner plate. Many root vegetables can be grown for parts other than just the roots. Turnips, radishes and beets do well in the winter, and they also have edible greens that will add something a little different to the greens mix. Perhaps the best root for the winter garden is carrots though. The greens can be used similarly to parsley, and the cold winter temperatures react with sugars in the carrots to make them sweeter. Carrots also grow well in close confines so you have the opportunity to do a lot with a small space.

Finally we arrive at the allium family. Leeks are without a doubt the most reliable option. These can be harvested throughout the entire winter, and they have traditionally been used to help keep colds and other winter ailments at bay. Other alliums like chives and onions can also be grown throughout the winter. It’s likely that the bulbs with be significantly smaller, but to many, the crunch of a freshly harvested is still worth it.

While we get ready to settle in for the winter and plan months’ of indoor projects, don’t let the cold weather drive you inside completely. It’s still important to connect with nature and to get your hands in the dirt. Each of the seasons has something to offer, and it’s important to get the most out of all the time we have.