Comments on: Winter Vegetables

By: Randy M.

Randy M. — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:59:26 +0000

We don’t get down to -50 below but -10 to -20 below isn’t out of the question here in central Indiana. I have good success with three layers of plastic over spinach and sometimes lettuce, (small hoop houses). When the sun comes out it gets really warm under there and the stuff grows off and on get some to eat most of the winter. I am going to expand and try other winter hardy things. I think the trick is for the crop to get some size before it gets real cold. Some catalogs are full of winter hardy things to grow. Check out Eliot Coleman has to say about it.

By: Aubrey Hemming

Aubrey Hemming — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:39:34 +0000

I would very much like to receive your gardening newsletter.

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:15:51 +0000

Don, short of a heated greenhouse you won’t be able to grow “winter vegetables” outdoors throughout your harsh winters. What you will be able to accomplish by planting cold hardy plants and providing cover is to extend your growing season and produce fresh veggies later into the fall or winter than normal. You’ll have to experiment in your region to see if you can over winter crops such as kale and collards to yield early spring greens. There are probably varieties of gourmet garlic that can be planted in the fall which will survive even your bitterly cold winter.

Doreen, you can try the following link for gardening info that may be of help in your climate: http://www.gardeningeden.co.za/

By: Don B

Don B — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 22:47:31 +0000

We saw your web site about winter veggies but there is one thing I’m wondering about. We live in the coldest (area) in the nation, the coldest in our winter is between 20-50 below 0 for a week or so, then maybe thourghout the rest of the winter it’s -10 to -20 give or take the warm days not in the negative. We love our veggies, what do you think we can have in the winter?

Thanks Don / Whisper

Stanley, Idaho

By: Doreen Dambe

Doreen Dambe — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:01:53 +0000

I am from the southern part of Africa Botswana which has very high summer temperatures and cold desert winters. I read your articles and find that my climate does not suit what you publish is there a wesite best suited for this region?

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 06:03:00 +0000

Hi Ellen. Leeks are normally planted in early spring for a fall harvest and require a long time to mature. I’ve never tried to plant leek seeds during the fall or winter. Your climate in California is much different, and leeks are hardy, so you may be able to grow them through your “winter”.

By: Ellen

Ellen — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 02:19:00 +0000

I’m growing broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts for the first time this year. Just harvested the first head of broccoli, which is very cool! I’ve got garlic planted. We just had a cold spell that put the kabosh on my tomatoes, so I need to go rip those out now finally. Is it too late to plant leeks? I’ve done those before and loved them.