Grow Vegetables Winter as Well as Summer

Is it possible to grow vegetables winter as well as summer? When learning how to vegetable garden the first priority is to grow vegetables in summer for consumption that same season but it is possible to carry on growing vegetables through the winter months. 

Winter growing vegetables are varieties that are both sown during the summer, mature and stand in the ground to be harvested during the winter and those that are sown in autumn that in mild areas can be cropped perhaps from the following April. The advantage of the latter apart from being able to gather early crops is that their growing season is when most pests are dormant. 

Although many pests are dormant during the cold months there are still those that are awake, active and hungry during warmer spells. Mice, slugs and snails will be on the look out for your nice, fresh and tasty vegetables and do not forget that mice are experts at finding vegetables that are being stored over winter. 

Winter growing vegetables include:

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts are the first to come to mind as winter vegetables. Not to everyone’s taste but they will stand through the winter and produce a good crop. The thing to remember about Brussels Sprouts is that they need to be firm in the ground which is difficult for them to do on their own being tall and top heavy with sprouts. Make sure that they are staked well before the winds spoil the plants. 

There is something about walking into the vegetable garden early on a winter’s morning and seeing the Brussels Sprouts covered in frost and thinking that you could be picking some fresh on Christmas morning. 

Parsnips

Not only are parsnips resistant to frost but have the reputation of tasting better, sweeter, after being frosted. 

Sprouting Broccoli

The same comments go for Sprouting Broccoli as for Brussels Sprouts. Sprouting Broccoli can be cropped over a long period and is a delicious and versatile winter vegetable. 

Winter Cabbage

The classic winter cabbage has to be the Savoy Cabbage and it is the one that most people recognise when seen growing or in the greengrocers. However, Savoy are not the only choice so consider growing one of the Chinese Cabbages or one of the Red Cabbages such as Red Drumhead or Ruby Ball. 

Leeks

The tasty leeks can be used as a vegetable accompaniment to a roast dinner, in soups or as a meal in themselves with a cheese sauce. When covered in frost leeks may not look as if they will survive but they do and continue growing slowly during the winter. 

Kale

Kale is not always the most popular vegetable grown as it can taste bitter and is full of iron. However, pick young leaves that have been frosted and the taste is improved. Kale is one of the hardiest winter vegetables to grow so it is worth giving it a try. 

Salsify

Salsify is a root vegetable that has been grown for centuries. Those who grow or who have eaten this vegetable sing its praises as being better tasting than parsnips. Ready for lifting from late October but can be left in the soil until April. 

Scorzonera

Scorzonera is similar to salsify but has a black skin. Not the best looking vegetable but has a delicious flavour. Ready to harvest from late October but can be left in the soil until April. 

Hamburg Parsley

You will know parley but may not have heard of Hamburg Parsley. A versatile vegetable the leaves can be used as parsley and the roots are best described as tasting like parsnip with a hint of parsley. Leave in the ground over winter and dig up to use as required. 

Chinese Artichoke

The Chinese Artichoke is rarely grown when compared to the Jerusalem Artichoke although the Chinese variety is easier to grow. Lift as required between November and spring but it is best to give a mulch of compost or straw as an insurance policy. 

Lettuce

We think of lettuce as a summer vegetable to eat with salads but if you can give them the shelter of a greenhouse it is possible to have lettuce growing during the winter. Seek out varieties in seed catalogues that are recommended for greenhouse use and be extra vigilant to guard against slugs and snails that will also be on the lookout for a tender and tasty meal in winter. 

Hope fully this has provided you with the inspiration to grow  vegetables winter as well as summer.