Winter Vegetables

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated December 5, 2011)

When it comes to gardening, the common belief is that the winter months are a fairly slow time. After all, since it is cold outside, there really isn't all that much that can grow, right? Well the answer to this questions that there are a few vegetables out there that actually do a bit better during the winter months than the warmer months. These winter vegetables are a perfect way to get the most out of your garden, and to extend your harvest a bit. Here is a little bit of information that you can use to help decide which winter vegetables you may like to grow this coming season.

  • Onions. These hardy plants will grow in any zone between 2 and 11, and since they are pretty much bulb plants that like to grow underground, they are perfect for the colder months. When planting them, initially plant them during the fall in an area that has soil with plenty of drainage, and full sun. In addition, make sure that the soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter (if necessary prepare the soil by mixing in some compost).
  • Peas. This is another hardy plant that will grow quite easily in zones 2 through 11. When planting choose an area that is either in full sun, or one that has at most light shade. Peas usually prefer well-drained rich soil that has plenty of moisture. Ideally, you will plant this particular vegetable in the late winter or early spring since it still likes the cool temperatures experienced there.
  • Brassica's. Also known as cabbages, Brussels Sprouts, and flowering cabbages these plants also require well drained soil, with a rich organic mixture. When preparing the soil, be sure that you avoid using any compost that has a high nitrogen content. Typically the planting season for these will be around a month to a month and a half prior to the last frost of the season.
  • Root vegetables. Such root vegetables as carrots, parsnips, and so on. For the most part these vegetables are all quite capable of growing in zones 2 through 11, and since they are underground are quite adept at withstanding cold. It is best to prepare the soil for these plants by digging down to at least a foot, and mixing in some good compost material. In addition, begin planting these vegetables about three weeks prior to the last frost of the season.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Bug Bomb Cleanup

Bug bombs are a wonderfully effective method to get rid of an infestation of the creepy crawlies. The one item that makes ...

Discover More

Window Security

When talking about window security, many people think about security or alarm systems instead of thinking about things ...

Discover More

How to Remove Carpet Stains

Have you ever noticed how often carpets seem to get stained? Frankly it seems that if you have carpets, then you have ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

How to Save Seeds from Melons

Melon is a great summer treat. Instead of tossing the seeds from your melons, scoop them onto a paper towel and remove ...

Discover More

Growing Beans

Beans of all kinds are one of the more popular choices among gardeners. The reason for this is that, generally speaking, ...

Discover More

Helping Zucchini Grow

Zucchini has long been one of the most popular plants for the home gardener. This is typically due to the fact that the ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)