Vegetable Gardening Planning - Fall and Winter

In most cases, when vegetable gardening, you plant in the spring and harvest in the fall. However, different species and climates, as well as indoor container gardening, sometimes will let you garden all year long.

Sometimes, there are advantages to planting in the fall for next year's crops. This soil will then be plowed under rather than harvested, giving the soil some added nutrients that will help it in the spring. Some species can be planted in the summer and still harvested before the first frost. Certain types of lettuce would be an example of this.

It's very helpful to become as familiar as you can with your local climate and weather patterns when deciding when you should plant. 30 day forecasts along with a Farmers' Almanac can be very helpful.

Take time to clear out anything leftover from spring and summer before planting the new stuff. Leftover crops will decay, promoting bacteria that may be harmful. Put down some compost or mulch and turn the top layer of soil to prepare the area. Then water it generously and let it set for a day. Drainage is important, especially in the fall and winter, when precipitation levels are high.

Many species will do quite well if prepared correctly.

If planted before the beginning of August, beets can do quite well. This can even be done a month later if you're planning on harvesting the tops only. Winterkeeper is recommended also.

Broccoli can be transplanted up till the middle of August. In many areas, you can harvest fresh broccoli right up until Thanksgiving. In the warmest climates, it may even last until Christmas. In areas with no snow, Italian broccoli can be planted in the winter and will continue to produce until spring.

In many areas, fall cabbage planting is fairly common. Jersey Wakefield is often planted in September and is harvested in the spring after growing all winter.

Root vegetables, such as carrots, can withstand just about any climate, due to the food growing underground. If planted in mid-summer or fall they can be harvested in winter. Even though they will survive, if the ground is frozen, they will be very hard to dig up.

Endive will also grow well if planted in mid-summer. You can protect it from frost by putting down a light mulch. It can then be harvested in winter provided the snow isn't too deep. Since drainage isn't as good in the Fall and Winter, you need to make sure they don't get too much moisture.

Romaine can be harvested in the fall if it's planted in the summer. Moisture can be a problem for this as well since it is so leafy and low to the ground. Even at this time of year, excessive moisture can lead to the growth of fungus.

Peas that are planted in the fall can be harvested the following June. This will allow you to enjoy fresh vegetables while you are working on planting the rest of your plants. If you live in the right area and choose the right plants, you can have fresh vegetables all year long.

Enjoy!