Best produce to grow in the winter

Some crops and plants grow every season, while others only grow well in their specific season. Especially in the winter, plants and vegetables require extra care and maintenance, or they die. So, select carefully if you want to grow some produce in the winter season. Otherwise, it would be a hectic experience for you.

Top 10 crops to grow in the winter season

The following are the top 10 crops you can grow this winter season.

1. Lettuce

To grow lettuce, you must know about all its types. There are several types of lettuce, including leaf lettuce, crisp heads, romaine, etc. So, selecting ones that can bear cold winter temperatures is essential.

Planting at the right time is also important because baby plants won't withstand the cold as well as teen plants will. The best part about lettuce is that you can incorporate it into sandwiches and salads during the winter season, so it will be beneficial produce to grow in the winter season.

2. Carrots

While some plants cannot withstand the cold weather, some improve their flavor as the cold increases. Carrots are one of these plants whose flavor will improve with increasing cold. These can be a good addition to your garden during the winter season.

Carrots are not only vibrant but also add a sweet flavor to anything you use them in with their classic crunchiness. For the best quality, it is suggested to sow the seed during august and protect the carrots from cold with an insulating layer in extremely cold December.

3. Spinach

Spinach can be planted in the ending days of September when the winter season is about to start. One of its best qualities is that it thrives in the colder days especially when you create tunnels over them. However, this protection is unnecessary as spinach can grow well without it.

When it comes to spinach, there are several breeds, all of which can be grown if properly cared for, but Giant Winter and Winter Bloomsdale make the best choices.

4. Beets

Beets are among the crops that can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the best ways to add vibrance and sweetness to your food is by adding beets. During winter, the leaves of beets may fall off due to extreme cold, but that is nothing you need to worry about.

The real part you need to protect is the main body that can get bitter if you don’t reap at the right time. So, let it grow for around 10 weeks and reap when the beets are around 5 inches in diameter for the best results.

5. Cabbage

Although cabbage does not start in the winter season, it can be a perfect addition to your garden during the winter days. Its seed is planted in late summer days, but you can transfer it to outdoor soils before winter falls. The plant is already strong enough to deal with the cold during this time. The hard freezes help it mature.

You may need to protect these under row covers if you get extreme temperature conditions. Cabbages can be cooked in several rice recipes, making them a good addition to salads and sandwiches. The best part is that you can store these for weeks.

6. Broccoli

Soups and roasts in the winter season are incomplete without broccoli. Broccoli can thrive in cold conditions if planted in the early fall season. Then there is a mature plant as you move into the cold temperatures. Freezing temperatures are no issue for Broccoli but for better growth, it is better to use a row cover to protect the plant as it grows.

7. Mustard greens

Although it cannot bear the bard freezing temperatures, if you want to produce to grow in the winter, then mustard greens will be a good addition to your garden. The leaves can add texture and spicy flavoring to sauces and your salads.

The good part about mustard leaves grown in the winter season is that the taste is milder as the spiciness turns a little sweet due to the cold. You may find a huge variety of options in mustard greens, so opt for the wavy or curly ones, as they withstand cold temperatures better.

8. Kale

Kale is not only famous for its versatile uses but it is also known for its frost tolerance. It gets sweeter as the cold weather increases because the concentration of sugars in its leaves increases. However, planting it during late summer days is good because the plant will be mature enough to deal with the cold when the winter falls.

Kale may live for over 6 months, and during that time, you can continuously harvest its leaves from the lower side.

9. Garlic

Want to grow something during the winter season but don't want to put in any effort? Grow garlic, as it will not require any effort from your end. Garlic is another versatile crop that goes in several dishes while cooking, and you can also use it as a garnish.

It needs to be planted during fall and spouts in the spring season. You will harvest garlic in the summer, but it must go through the winter season, and cold weather is essential for bulb development. Remember that planting garlic earlier or later will not give good results. So, plant it at least 4 weeks before the first frost.

10. Scallions

Green onions or scallions are slender onions that don't bulb, and they can deal with temperatures as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Scallions will be a great plant to grow as these can be added to several Chinese dishes, rice, and even salads.

Harvesting them at the right time is important as they may start bolting otherwise. While you plant scallions, ensure the soil is well drained, bread forked, and composted.

Final Words:

Selecting your crops and plants carefully will help you prepare according to the requirement of every plant. The best part is that you will be sure that a certain type of maintenance and care will make that plant grow healthier.

So, instead of putting your garden to hold during the winter season, try the ones we shared above and get your supply of fresh veggies like you to have every other season. Remember that these might be beneficial in cold weather survival situations.

Image by Christiane from Pixabay