Winter does not mean putting a stop to growing your vegetables. With the right plants, you can have vegetables all year round.
Submitted by: Archie Adams. Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.
When vegetables are in season, there is always plenty available. Planning meals is easy because there’s so much variety. Winter does come with its challenges due to the cold. But it is possible to grow healthy vegetables with or without a greenhouse. It is essential to know the right selection because some will not do well during the cold season.
Our article will answer an important question like: ‘‘what vegetables can I plant now that it is wintertime?’’ If you’re a home maker and want to know how vegetables are grown and the best types, please read on.
Why are Vegetables Healthy?
Eating vegetables has multiple health benefits. Vegetables are low in fat and calories and contain essential nutrients. Such include fiber, folate, vitamin A and C, and potassium.
You may be wondering which vegetables are easy to grow during winter. You have options such as:
- Perpetual spinach
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- English spinach
- Broccoli
As you can see, you have so many options if you live in areas with winter climates.
You now know what type of plants to grow in winter. But, it is also important to know how to do it properly.
Provide Protection
Frost will kill your plants, so you must protect them from the extreme cold. Incorporate the use of mini tunnels, mulch, strawbale cold frames, and cloches when planting.
Availability of Sunlight
Look for an area that receives as much sunlight as possible. You will be able to capture the little winter sunlight available, which will be beneficial to your plants.
Mix Up the Plants
When you plant different vegetables, you get more variety and other benefits such as pest control.
Go Organic
Pesticides and herbicides are harmful to you and the environment. Organic farming is healthy and safe.
Compost manure will make your plants thrive. Mulching or drip irrigation will help retain moisture in the soil. The use of birds to keep away pests will save you money.
Water the Plants
You may still need to water your plants during winter but do it sparingly. The soil retains more water due to a lack of sunlight.
When watering, only do so when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Having a fresh supply of vegetables right from your garden is convenient and will save you money. Like any other time during the year, it is possible to have a healthy garden during winter.
Do you have experience growing vegetables in winter? Please share with us your tips in the comments section below.