Winter Crops
As we pass through the cooler nights and shorter days of winter, our gardens lose some of their fecundity and greenery. In other words, they appear barren. But this is only part of the story. A lot is going on in the soil, and there is still much life there waiting for its persephonic return come springtime. The winter lull demands not only patience and passivity, but also prudent activity, which can provide surprising yields and more abundant crops in the future. Gardening, like life, requires foresight and action regardless of the season.
Here are some strategies to make the most out of your winter garden now.
1. Plant Now
Below is a list of the plants that can be sowed from January through March in most regions of the United States, though timing for your particular climate may vary. Timing is everything. Depending on germination and length to maturity you can prepare plants inside ready to transplant after the last frost, or plant directly in the ground under heavy mulch in mid-to-late winter.
To sow directly in the soil:
• Carrot – Germination: 5-15 days Maturation: 65-75 days Soil Temp: Low (45-65)
• Cauliflower – Germination: 5-10 days Maturation: 65-80 days Soil Temp: Med (70-85)
• Cabbage – Germination: 5-15 days Maturation: 50-120 days Soil Temp: Low (40-85)
• Onion – Germination: 5-10 days Maturation: 100-150 days Soil Temp: Low (55-77)
• Artichoke – Germination: 10-20 days Maturation: 150-180 days Soil Temp: Med (65-80)
• Parsnip – Germination: 15-20 days Maturation: 120-180 days Soil Temp: Low (50-85)
• Radish – Germination: 3-12 days Maturation: 25-35 days Soil Temp: Low (45-85)
• Asparagus – Germination: 15-20 days Maturation: 70 days Soil Temp: Med (75-80)
• Turnip – Germination: 3 – 5 days Maturation: 55 days Soil Temp: Low (40-75)
• Snow Pea – Germination: 5-15 days Maturation: 75 days Soil Temp: Low (40-85)
• Chard – Germination: 5-15 days Maturation: 50-60 days Soil Temp: Low (50-85)
• Potato – Germination: 15-25 days Maturation: 90-150 days Soil Temp: Low (50-85)
• Spinach – Germination: 7-15 days Maturation: 40-50 days Soil Temp: Low (40-75)
• Kale – Germination: 5-15 days Maturation: 60-90 days Soil Temp: Low (45-75)
• Lettuce – Germination: 7-15 days Maturation: 40-90 days Soil Temp: Low (35-75)
• Mustard – Germination: 4-7 days Maturation: 30-60 days Soil Temp: Low (45-85)
• Kohlrabi – Germination: 5-15 Maturation: 60 days Soil Temp: Low (45-75)
Start inside and transplant after last frost:
• Eggplant – Germination: 10-15 days Maturation: 75-80 days Soil Temp: High (75-90)
• Celeriac – Germination: 15-30 days Maturation: 150-200 days Soil Temp: Medium (60-75)
• Celery – Germination: 15-20 days Maturation: 120 days Soil Temp: Medium (65-75)
• Garden Cress – Germination: 2-10 days Maturation: 10-15 days Soil Temp: Medium (55-75)
• Tomato – Germination: 10-15 days Maturation: 75-100 days Soil Temp: Low (50-75)
• Cucumber – Germination: 5 – 10 days Maturation: 50-65 days Soil Temp: Med (60-90)
• Fava Bean – Germination: 6-10 days Maturation: 120-150 days Soil Temp: Med (65-85)
• Chicory – Germination: 7-20 days Maturation: 80-110 days Soil Temp: Low (55-65)
• Bell Peppers – Germination: 8-12 days Maturation: 90-140 days Soil Temp: Med (65-95)
• Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Dill, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary & Parsley
Also, consider starting herbs indoors or plant immediately after last frost.
2. Prepare for Spring
As your annuals have died off and your perennials lie dormant, it is the perfect time to prepare for an abundant spring. Mulch your garden beds heavily and leave them be until the soil is warm enough to be worked. Let the microbes do their job breaking down the soil into nutrients for your plants and ultimately for you.
Take some time to review your notes from the last planting cycle, procure new seeds, and lay out where you are going to plant come warmer days. Make sure your plan incorporates rotating your vegetables and fruits to avoid pests and maintain soil quality. Begin building any raised beds or things that you’ll need come spring.
3. Plan for next winter
There are many short-season crops that grow quickly and can fill your plates before the frost comes. After the frost, there are plants that will persist late into fall and well into winter. If you plan well, you could be harvesting these plants next winter.
Quick Growing Crops (3-6 Weeks) – Before the First Frost:
• Radishes
• Tendril Peas
• Lettuces
• Arugula
• Mustard Greens
• Bok Choy
Winter Hearty Crops – After the frost:
• Broad Beans
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Leeks
• Brussels Sprouts
• Lettuce
*Beets – Eat the greens before heavy frost, keep the beets under mulch until ready to harvest.
