Keep the harvests coming with these hardy crops for the winter garden.
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For gardeners in the South, winter is a great time to grow cool-seasonvegetables.
Of course, there is considerable overlap between the two groups.
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Winter temperatures vary considerably across the South.
Coastal locations tend to be warmer while gardeners in the mountains may experience snow.
Fall and winter temperatures also impact planting times.
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Consult your local Extension educator or garden center regarding the best crops and ideal planting times for your area.
Soil does not dry as quickly in winter as it does in summer.
Gardening in raised beds enhances drainage which prevents roots from rotting in cold, wet soil.
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Wherever you garden, remember to adjust your watering practices for slower growth and reduced evaporation.
Plant kale August through September and enjoy harvests well into winter.
In mild winters, plants often produce new leaves through spring.
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Kale can also be planted as early as February for early spring harvest.
Many gardeners like to sow rows of radishes at two-week intervals for continual harvest.
Radishes are tastiest when harvested young, before they develop a woody texture.
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They can be planted September through October for fall and winter harvest, and again starting in mid-January.
Spinach
Spinach leaves make tasty additions to salads or can be cooked in a variety of dishes.
Harvest young tender leaves as they develop.
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Plants will continue to produce new growth during much of the winter for continual harvest.
Spinach is often sown in succession like radishes to spread out the harvest.
Sow seeds September through October, and again starting in January, depending on location.
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Bunching onions are perennial plants in hardiness zones 6-9 and can be harvested year-round in regions with mild winters.
Establish plants September through March.
Fall-sown crops can be harvested throughout the winter in many areas.
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Asparagus is sold as a bare-root crown which sends up new shoots each season.
Tender young shoots are harvested as they emerge in spring and early summer.
Wait to harvest until the second year after planting to allow plants time to establish.
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Remove the larger, outside leaves first, allowing the small inner leaves more time to grow.
Spring crops can be sown as early as January, depending on location.
Look for bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Florida Broadleaf’.
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Some have a spicy bite, others a mellow sweetness.
Garlic is planted after the weather has cooled, from October through December, and harvested the following summer.
If you live in a freeze-prone area, plant cloves 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.
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Potato
Potatoes are planted in late winter for summer harvest.
Potato plants are started from seed potatoes.
Potatoes will rot in soggy soils.
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Plant in raised beds or mounded rows to enhance drainage.
Vining types are typically preferred for the home garden.
They will require a small trellis or fence to climb.
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Bulb onions take a long time to mature.
Arugula
Grow gourmet greens in the winter garden!
Fall-sown arugula plants tolerate frost and can be harvested well into winter.
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Plants mature quickly and are ready to harvest in just 5 to 6 weeks.
Harvest leaves when they are still young, before they develop a bitter flavor.
Turnips
Turnips taste sweetest after they experience cold weather, so fall-planted turnips are ideal.
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Plants can also be started after the new year for spring harvest.
Both the root and tops of turnips are edible.
Use the leaves as you would mustard or collard greens.
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Like carrots, turnips can be stored in the ground until ready for use.
