Most people think that it’s time to put gardening on hold as soon as the weather gets chilly, but what if I told you that there are specific plant varieties that can even grow in freezing temperatures?
Yes, I’m talking about amazing winter garden plants! These hardy varieties don’t just add a special touch to your garden (picture blooms peeking through the snow) – they also bring you fresh, tasty veggies in the coldest months.
So, if you’re looking to keep your garden alive and enjoy fresh produce all winter, here are the plants to grow (if they can handle the cold, so can we!).
1. Salad Greens Can Handle Some Chill
Salad greens in winter? Yes, please!
These leafy greens belong to those plants that can be grown in winter, though they can’t handle deep freezes – so don’t exactly wait for the frost date to grow them.
If you decide to grow them, just find a cozy spot in your greenhouse or tuck them into a cold frame; that way, they get their chilly thrill without being exposed to the harshest cold!
2. Kale Is A True Winter Champion
Kale is on top of the winter greens list for a couple of good reasons!
It sprouts fast, lasts ages, and can handle frost like a true champion. When other plants surrender to winter, kale keeps going… maybe a little slower, but you’ll still have those baby kale leaves to enjoy while everything else has packed up for the season.
If you’re in a milder area, kale can even keep thriving outdoors through a few frosts. It’s tough, and if it freezes, it will just keep growing as soon as the weather gets nice.
By spring, kale’s back to business, even giving you delicious kale flowers that make your garden look pretty!
Related: These 5 Expert Tips Will Help You Grow Kale In Pots Anywhere, Anytime
3. Root Veggies Won’t Mind The Cold Soil
Although we can’t actually see them, root veggies like carrots and beets are also tough and can grow right in your garden all the way through the winter season.
Once it gets really cold, they stop growing, but the roots stay fresh and ready to harvest whenever you need them!
The greens may fade, but what’s beneath the soil is actually safe until you’re ready to pull them up.
Just toss some mulch over the bed or use row covers to protect your stash. And don’t forget to grab them before spring or they’ll start sprouting again!
Related: These Root Veggies Are Ready For Harvesting Just In Time For Christmas!
4. Green Onions Can Bring Flavor To Dishes All Winter Long
What’s a garden without some type of onion growing in the back?
And when it comes to green onions, these are quick growers that can fit into any garden bed or container and bring flavor to dishes all winter long (yum, yum, yum!).
Plant them at the end of summer or early fall so they’ve got enough time to sprout green stalks. In winter, it’s all about keeping those stalks alive.
Just cover them with a floating row cover or any season extender to keep them warm during the harshest temps. Then, whenever you’ve got the taste for something spicy, just snip a few stalks and enjoy!
Related: How To Grow Unlimited Green Onions Like A Pro
5. Parsley Is A Sturdy Herb You Can Keep Around All Year
It’s true that most herbs can’t handle winter’s chill, but parsley is a hardy exception you can keep around all year!
In the cold months, it slows down but still lets you enjoy a few sprigs (especially with a row cover for some extra warmth).
I love adding fresh parsley to winter dishes, and once the spring comes, my parsley always makes a big comeback before eventually going to seed. With a season that long, this herb definitely earns its spot in the garden!
Related: How To Harvest Parsley Without Killing The Plant – 7 Brilliant Tips
6. Swiss Chard Will Need Some Covering Up To Grow In Freezing Temps
Swiss chard is a perfect pick for a winter garden!
If you get your plants started in spring or summer, you can keep harvesting well into the colder months. While not as frost-tolerant as kale, Swiss chard can still handle a bit of cold (even a light freeze now and then).
When temperatures dip really low, the leaves might darken or wilt, but a floating row cover can help extend the harvest.
So, cover them up and keep your greens going as long as possible!
Related: Maximize Swiss Chard Harvests With These Growing Tips
7. Asian Greens Can Also Cope With The Cold
If you are into Asian food, you’ll definitely want to try growing some in your own garden!
Asian greens are quick to grow and can cope with the cooler weather as well.
Consider planting baby bok choy or tatsoi – they’re usually picked when they’re still small, which makes it easier for them to grow before harsh cold temperatures arrive.
I love them so much because they add a tasty crunch to my winter meals and are super easy to cultivate!
You can still keep your gardening spirit alive in winter – just choose a few of these veggies, and you’ll be enjoying a fresh harvest even in the cold months!
Related: 7 Ornamental Grasses To Add Winter Interest And Give Your Garden A Frosty Flair