What Is a Winter Garden?
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 09:30:01 AM America/Los_Angeles
Gardening isn’t just a springtime activity! Winter can be prime time to plant winter-friendly crops or watch sparkling crabapples emerge against the backdrop of a snowy landscape. Winter gardening can keep the doldrums away during the colder months of the year by keeping your hands occupied as well as attracting wildlife with bright, nutritious berries.
Photo by Annie Spratt
What Is a Winter Garden?
A winter garden is exactly what it sounds like – it’s gardening hardy, slow-growing crops during the winter for later harvesting. Alternatively, some might plan a garden so that winter brings a much-needed, festive splash of color that berries can offer during the colder, darker months.
When a winter garden of veggies is planted depends on the region you live in and how much light and warmth the garden is able to get during the winter. The warmer the region is during the winter, the later in the year the planting can begin – as long as the soil isn’t or close to frozen. Winter gardens with berries also have the benefit of luring pollinating critters when the plants flower in the spring.
Some may opt for the greenhouse approach, which won’t bring the birds to the yard, but greenhouses do allow gardeners to have flexibility in terms of what they choose to plant. Temperature and humidity can be much more regulated in this “winter-proof” version of gardening.
What Do You Plant in a Winter Garden?
Root vegetables are ideal candidates for winter gardening, as they can withstand cold weather and take a bit longer to grow. Similarly, winter berries are a fantastic way to not only get some extra color in your yard but also to feed the wildlife in your environment. Some plants that do well with winter gardening are:
- Brussel sprouts
- Garlic
- Onions
- Leeks
- Crabapple
- Winterberry
- Beautyberry
- Virginia Creeper
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to winter gardening. Whatever you choose to brighten your winter garden or kitchen during the season, winter gardening is sure to help make those cooler months feel a bit more cozy!
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