Winter Crops: 21 Veggies You Can Grow This Winter

Vegetables you can grow indoors in the winter months, either indoors or in a winter garden, depending on your climate:

Kale

 

winter crops 21 veggies you can grow this winter
winter-crops-21-veggies-you-can-grow-this-winter

 

Planting: Kale can be grown from seeds or transplanted seedlings. Sow seeds in well-drained soil about 1/2 inch deep. Transplant seedlings about 18-24 inches apart.8/8
Care: Kale is quite hardy and can tolerate frost. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Harvest: You can start harvesting kale when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Begin by picking the outer leaves and leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.

Spinach

 

spinach
spinach

 

Planting: Sow spinach seeds about 1/2 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Space them 2-4 inches apart in rows.
Care: Spinach needs plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate cooler temperatures. Regularly water to prevent the soil from drying out. To protect the plants from cold, you can use row covers or cloths.
Harvest: Harvest the outer leaves as they mature, leaving the center of the plant to keep producing new growth.

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Lettuce

 

lettuce winter plant
lettuce winter plant

 

Planting: Plant lettuce seeds in well-draining soil about 1/4 inch deep. Space them according to the variety’s recommended spacing.
Care: Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Water consistently to prevent bitterness in the leaves. Consider using shade cloth or row covers if the temperatures drop too much.
Harvest: You can either harvest entire heads or pick outer leaves. Harvest in the morning when the leaves are crisp.

Collard Greens

 

collard greens
Collard Greens

 

Planting: Plant collard green seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. Space them about 12-18 inches apart.
Care: Collard greens are tough plants that can withstand cold temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate sunlight.
Harvest: Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they’re large enough to eat, leaving the center leaves to continue growing.

Cabbage

 

cabbage plant
cabbage plant

 

 

Planting: Start cabbage seeds indoors and transplant them when they have a few true leaves. Space them about 18-24 inches apart.
Care: Cabbage needs rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly and consider using a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
Harvest: Harvest cabbage heads when they’re firm and have reached the desired size. Cut the heads at the base.

Carrots

 

harvest carrots
harvest carrots

 

 

Planting: Sow carrot seeds directly in loose, well-drained soil. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep and thin them as they grow.
Care: Carrots prefer consistent moisture, so water regularly. Applying a layer of straw or mulch can help regulate soil temperature and prevent freezing.
Harvest: You can harvest carrots when they’re mature, usually indicated by their size and color. Gently loosen the soil around them before pulling.

Radishes

 

white radish
white radish

 

 

Planting: Sow radish seeds directly in well-prepared soil. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep and space them according to the variety.
Care: Radishes are quick-growing and can handle cold weather. Keep the soil moist to ensure proper development.
Harvest: Radishes are typically ready to harvest in about 3-4 weeks. Pull them out when the roots have matured.

Broccoli

 

broccoli in garden
broccoli in garden

 

 

Planting: Start broccoli seeds indoors and transplant them when they’re a few inches tall. Space them about 18-24 inches apart.
Care: Broccoli requires fertile soil and consistent moisture. Protect young plants from extreme cold using row covers or cloths.
Harvest: Harvest the central head when it’s tight and compact. Secondary shoots may also develop after the main head is harvested.

Cauliflower

 

caulliflower vegetable

 

Planting: Start cauliflower seeds indoors and transplant them when they have a few true leaves. Space them about 18-24 inches apart.
Care: Cauliflower needs well-draining soil and consistent watering. Protect the developing heads from extreme cold to prevent discoloration.
Harvest: Harvest cauliflower heads when they’re fully formed, white and compact.

Brussels Sprouts

 

brussels sprouts plant
brussels sprouts plant

 

Planting: Start Brussels sprouts seeds indoors and transplant them when they have several leaves. Space them about 24-30 inches apart.
Care: Brussels sprouts require consistent moisture and rich soil. They often taste better after a light frost, as cold temperatures can sweeten the flavor.
Harvest: Harvest the small sprouts from the bottom of the stem working your way upward as they mature.

Swiss Chard

 

swiss chard
swiss chard

 

Planting: Sow chard seeds in well-draining soil about 1 inch deep. Space them around 6-12 inches apart.
Care: Swiss chard prefers full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist and consider mulching to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves when they’re around 6-8 inches long.

Turnips

 

turnips plant
turnips plant

 

Planting: Sow turnip seeds directly in well-prepared soil. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep and thin them as they grow.
Care: Turnips thrive in cooler temperatures. Water consistently and use mulch to protect against temperature fluctuations.
Harvest: Harvest turnip roots when they’re the desired size. Young leaves are also edible and can be harvested.

Beets

 

beetroot with leaf
beetroot with leaf

 

 

Planting: Sow beet seeds directly in well-draining soil about 1/2 inch deep. Thin seedlings as they grow.
Care: Beets prefer cooler temperatures and even moisture. Apply a layer of mulch to help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
Harvest: Harvest beets when they’re mature and of the desired size. Beet greens are also edible and nutritious.

Onions

 

onions

 

Planting: Plant onion sets or transplants in well-drained soil. Space them according to the variety’s recommendations.
Care: Onions can handle cold temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid overwatering.
Harvest: Harvest green onions as they grow. Harvest mature onions when the tops have fallen over and the bulbs have formed.

Garlic

 

garlic
garlic

 

Planting: Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil about 2 inches deep and several inches apart.
Care: Garlic prefers a period of cold temperatures to develop bulbs. Mulch the planting area to protect against extreme cold.
Harvest: Harvest garlic when the tops have turned brown and dried. Cure them in a cool dry place before storing.

Peas

 

peas in plant
peas in plant

 

Planting: Sow pea seeds directly in well-drained soil as soon as the ground can be worked.
Care: Peas are cold-tolerant and can thrive in cooler temperatures. Provide support for the plants as they grow.
Harvest: Harvest pea pods when they’re plump and the peas inside are well-formed.

Winter Radishes

 

winter radishes
winter radishes

 

Planting: Sow winter radish seeds in well-prepared soil. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep and thin them as needed.
Care: Winter radishes are hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Harvest: Harvest winter radishes when they reach maturity. These radishes tend to have a longer growing season compared to regular radishes.

Parsnips

 

parsnips radish plant
parsnips radish plant

 

Planting: Sow parsnip seeds directly in well-draining soil, about 1/2 inch deep. Thin seedlings as they grow.
Care: Parsnips improve in flavor after being exposed to cold temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Harvest: Harvest parsnips when they’ve reached their full size. Cold temperatures can enhance their sweetness.

Lettuce Varieties

 

lettuce differnt varieties
lettuce differnt varieties

 

Planting: Similar to regular lettuce, sow seeds in well-draining soil or use transplants for varieties like ‘Winter Density’ or ‘Arctic King.’
Care: Different lettuce varieties have varying cold tolerance. Choose cold-resistant varieties and provide protection if needed.
Harvest: Harvest lettuce as it reaches the desired size. Outer leaves can be picked, or entire heads can be harvested.

Asian Greens (Bok Choy, Mizuna, etc.)

Planting: Sow seeds in well-prepared soil. These greens are often quick-growing and can be succession planted.
Care: Asian greens tolerate cooler temperatures well. Water regularly and protect against frost with row covers if necessary.
Harvest: Harvest leaves when they’re young and tender. Baby greens are especially flavorful.

Mustard Greens

 

Mustard leaves
Mustard leaves

 

Planting: Sow mustard green seeds in well-draining soil about 1/4 inch deep. Thin the seedlings as they grow.
Care: Mustard greens are hardy and can withstand cold weather. Water regularly and provide sunlight.
Harvest: Harvest mustard greens when they’re young and tender typically within 4-6 weeks of planting.