Growing vegetables in winter is both difficult and quite easy at the same time.
While harvesting a big supply of winter vegetables from your garden throughout the season is what gardeners hope for, many gardeners in the UK believe that growing greens during the colder months is unattainable.
When winter arrives gardens can seem deserted. However, filling them with fresh winter vegetables will add a touch of vibrancy and life at a time of year when all seems dark and gloomy.
What’s more, vegetable roots can help stop soil nutrient loss throughout the dormant season.
Gardening experts at Hayter have shared when to plant winter vegetables and which ones they think should be grown in gardens now.
The gardening pros claimed that winter vegetables are “best planted in late autumn or early winter” as this gives them the best chance to survive.
However, as long as the ground is not completely covered in hard frost, then you can plant in late winter too.
As always, gardeners must check if what they are planting can survive or bloom in colder temperatures first.
Most winter vegetables, such as winter cabbage, leeks and turnips, can be helped throughout the colder months by using a greenhouse or cold frame to nurture their growth.
For those who have a greenhouse, start by scrubbing shade paint off the windows and giving them a thorough clean.
Nights will be drawing in earlier by the day, meaning light intake must be maximised to help your plants thrive.
For those who haven’t got access to a greenhouse, be sure to protect any outdoor plants from the elements with frost sheets.
Listing six vegetables, the experts said: “There are plenty of hardy veggies to choose from, but these are the easiest to grow and care for in winter weather.”
Vegetables to plant in winter
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbages
Leeks
Kale
Parsnips
To maintain them, water consistently to each plant’s individual needs and ensure temperature remains as consistent as possible.
They added: “That’s not to say the likes of carrots, onions, turnips and winter squash can’t also make it through the winter – but these crops need some extra protection to properly flourish.”
For those who are dead set on growing vegetables not on the list, gardeners need to consider a cold box or greenhouse to grow them in.
