Ideas for your winter vegetable garden

A number of crops can be grown or harvested during any season except winter.  That is why for gardeners, finding the right crop to grow during winter season — as well as the ones that can survive cold weather and be harvested during the winter season — is really a challenge.

A gardener has to think not only of which seeds could be planted in the vegetable garden but also which ones can be sown during a particular season. There are a couple of seeds one could plant or harvest during winter.  Some of these seeds, with some useful notes included, are provided below.

Broccoli.  Planting broccoli during winter avoids the usual problem of pests such as infestation of caterpillars.  Some varieties take 1.5 months while others take 3 months to mature and ready for harvest.  Make sure that soil in the vegetable garden is fertile and never dry, and provide lots of lime in the pH 6.5 to 7.5 range.

Cabbage.  Have enough fertilizer as cabbages feed heavily.  Maintain a pH 6 as cabbage needs lime.  It takes two and a half to three months to have it ready for harvest.

Lettuce.  Some varieties are ideal for winter sowing.  There might be a need for a glasshouse for vegetable gardens in very cold areas.  Have the seeds lightly covered and make the soil’s surface firm.  Additionally, the soil must be kept moist and make sure the soil is fertile to avoid the harvested produce from being bitter.  It normally takes 2 months before the lettuce is ready for harvest.

Onions. Onions are one of the most rewarding vegetables when grown in the garden. You have to prepare the bed with compost and bone meal. Once the bed is prepared, sprinkle the onion seeds. It takes 4-5 months for onions to mature. Birds love to feed on onion saplings, so it is essential to protect the young plants. For this you can set up a scare crow or use those small baby mosquito mashes. Place these mosquito mashes over the young plants until they grow well enough.

Other notable seeds that can be planted during winter are garlic and peas.

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