Winter Vegetables to Plant

Summer is not the only time of year you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. Although many people associate warm temperatures and seasons with gardening, certain types of vegetables actually thrive when grown in colder seasons. While some of those vegetables are perfectly suited to growing outdoors even in the frost and snow, others need to be grown in a shed or porch where they have access to some shelter from harsh weather.

Leafy green vegetables include salad greens, lettuce, mustard greens, collard greens, kale, mesclun and arugula. These plants produce lots of leafy foliage, and most of them prefer growing in cooler temperatures such as those of the spring and fall. However, they will tolerate the winter season if properly protected from frost or extremely cold temperatures. This is done by covering plants during frost or snow, mulching around them to protect their roots, or growing them in containers in buildings or on sheltered porches.

Root vegetables produce leafy foliage on top, but the edible part is actually the root of the plant growing beneath the ground. Vegetables in this category include carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and onions. Since these vegetables develop underground, if you live in a climate where the ground typically freezes during winter you should plant them in containers that can be moved to sheltered areas to prevent freezing. Use large, deep tubs placed under a sheltered patio or inside a shed. If the ground does not freeze, these plants should be fine planted directly into it. Plant these crops between mid- to late summer for a winter harvest.

Though this vegetable does not grow well during cold winter months, a crop planted mid-summer can be harvested during fall and stored to use through winter. Squash has a long shelf life and is excellent for use in soups, stews, casseroles or cooked as a side dish. Try varieties such as butternut or acorn squash. Spaghetti squash is another variety often served cooked with marinara for an interesting twist on the traditional pasta dish.

Peas, such as snap, English and snow peas, are perfect for cool temperature growing. Grow them under a sheltered porch or inside a shed to protect them from frost. Brussels sprouts, head lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower often tolerate even mild frost and grow well in cold winter temperatures. Asparagus does tolerate frost and even some snow, providing you with fresh produce at the first signs of spring.