Some people become modern homesteaders nowadays. They live strictly off of their lands. If you’re one of them, then consider growing fresh plants during cold months. Worry not, I’ll present some awesome winter garden ideas in this article.
There are a few crucial things you must learn about before embarking on your winter gardening journey. Here’s what every modern homesteader or gardener has to know.
The Biggest Mistake of a Winter Gardener
You’ve decided to follow the lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It may be for eating healthy benefits or financial reasons. Regardless of your reason, congratulations!
Growing your food is such a crucial step in life. Since you’ve chosen that lifestyle, do not make big mistakes this winter.
During colder months, avoid growing things like you would in summer. Moreover, you must make sure to grow peppers and tomatoes during summertime. I recommend preserving them, too.
If you insist on growing such vegetables in winter, then chances are they do not thrive well in your garden.
When it comes to living off of the land, people surely can’t be picky. That means you must consume the things that are in season to ensure your survival over the winter.
How to Grow Vegetables in Winter Outdoors Successfully
Before digging into my outdoor winter garden ideas, you have to understand how to grow veggies and also ways to protect your crops during colder months.
1. Unheated Greenhouse
Searching for small winter garden ideas? If so, I suggest you add this compact greenhouse to your tiny yard since it’s not large.
Although your greenhouse doesn’t have heat, you can certainly use it during cold months. The truth is, it can be somewhat helpful to create a winter garden as it protects plants from both cold and wind.
2. Windows and Hay
This is obviously one of the unique winter garden ideas, especially if you plan to grow a bigger winter garden.
Simply place hay bales at each row’s end. Then, put old windows on top of the vegetables along the row. This technique certainly will keep the frost out at night and draw heat during the daytime.
3. Mulch
Covering the crops with mulch or straw is undoubtedly a good idea. When the cold weather arrives, it’ll block your veggies from frost.
4. Frost Blankets
As the name implies, these blankets will keep your plants from freezing as well as getting cold during cold months.
Just cover your plants with these reusable white blankets to keep the frost off of the plants. They can also help you grow a successful winter garden.
5. Hotbed
If you plan on growing food through winter, then try hotbed gardening. It typically boasts a greenhouse or cold frame. Moreover, the bed produces artificial heat. This can also create enough heat to prevent the plants from freezing.
6. Hoop Tunnel
You normally find hoop tunnels at homesteads. They’re hoops over the crops as a whole. Also, they can feature PVC pipe rows.
Furthermore, people typically use plastic to cover their hoop tunnels. They’ll protect the garden plants during the winter months.
7. Row Covers
Gardeners as well as homesteaders often use row covers to keep their plants in early spring from frost. They keep unwanted bugs out, too.
You can also use row covers during the winter months to keep the snow and frost out of the crops.
8. Cold Frame
The cold frame is basically a planter box that comes with a glass lid on top. You can hold it up using a stick for great ventilation. This is such a superb way to protect the plants from frosty temperatures.
9. Combination
You can apply a combination of any of my winter garden ideas to encourage your plants to thrive excellently. Use the things that you have. Then, see what works best for the crops.
What to Grow in a Garden During Wintertime
These winter garden ideas particularly cover certain plants that do well during the cold months. If you’re into winter gardening, then consider them.
10. Carrots
Carrots thrive nicely in any winter garden. If you prefer sweeter veggies, then growing them is a fabulous idea. Feel free to plant them either in the containers or in the ground.
11. Swiss Chard
You’re a superfan of chard, then why not grow it in your winter garden? I prefer the rainbow variety to the regular chard. The more colorful the veggie you consume, the more vitamins it has.
12. Onion
Talking about winter garden plants, you can’t forget onions. They’re a fantastic vegetable to plant during cold months.
Onions are so versatile. You can make a gorgeous blooming onion or tasty French onion soup with them.
13. Kohlrabi – Winter Garden Ideas
Kohlrabi is such a fun and interesting vegetable to grow. Moreover, it gives off a unique flavor. I suggest you experiment with this veggie before growing a lot of vegetables.
14. Turnips
A lot of people love turnips. They’re more of an acquired taste, though. If you’re not a turnip person, consider eating the greens. Moreover, the veggie goes well with onion flakes, salt, and butter.
15. Asian Greens
Speaking of winter garden ideas, you should grow Asian greens such as bok choy, tatsoi, mustard greens, and gai lan. They’re suitable for any garden during colder months.
16. Kale
Many people love growing kale in their winter gardens. They give your body much-needed vitamin boosts during cold months.
With kale, you can make a pesto or chips. I recommend adding it to your salad or smoothie for a nice boost. Also, kale is delicious.
17. Beets
People can either love or hate beets. Regardless, they do better in colder temperatures since if the space gets too warm, then they become woody.
Just in case you don’t love beets, then just eat their greens. Try mixing them with collards or turnip greens for a lovely meal.
18. Lettuce
If you love salads, growing various lettuce types in your winter garden is definitely a must. Apart from having different textures, their flavors vary widely. They make eating healthily more enjoyable.
Hopefully, those winter garden ideas come in handy. Growing fresh veggies during colder months is not impossible at all. Make sure to avoid the biggest mistake, grow cold-hardy vegetables, and keep veggies warm. Happy gardening!