Frost and Food
Keep your garden producing food for you and your family by planting seeds that will make it through most of winter.
Hello friends,
Most of us are busy preparing for the holidays and gardening, in my case, food production, is not top of mind. I’m sure that you get it. We have only so much time in the day with family or work obligations taking up most of our time. And, with fewer sunlight hours, I am always feeling short on time.
As we head into winter, our family wanted to extend a few warm and welcoming ideas on how to keep your garden producing without a ton of work, even in the frosty days ahead.
Seeds that Brave Winter.
Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, potato, onion, lettuce leaf, radish, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can be grown in raised beds during winter. For the best results, include straw mulch or leaf litter, and extra compost, to help insulate the soil. I generally cover my seedlings with 9mm plastic to keep the chill away. You can still order our organic, non-GMO, and heirloom seeds. We ship quickly so get yours now.
“No winter wind shall chill my gardening heart.” ~ Beatrix Potter
Our Favorite - Curly Kale.
Curly kale is packed with nutrients and perfect cooked or served raw in salads. Some folks are not a fan of this lively green, because the kale was “too strong” for their taste. Kale’s taste strengthens as it matures or is exposed to hot temperatures. If however, you’re willing to give it a second try, pick the leaves early, while they are young, tender and sweet, and you may discover this truly delicious little wonder.
Warmth From Many Sources.
Not everyone has the room or resources for a permanent greenhouse. I love them. I wish I had more! You can however use a few simple tricks to get a production result that is similar to what is achieved in a greenhouse.
Thick layers of straw, compost, leaf litter will retain the warmth of the limited sun in winter. Watch for weeds or undesired growth and pick them as soon as they start.
Small hoops with plastic covers over low-rows will provide a greenhouse effect. We use these but as we get snow loads and high winds, we run a 1x1 pole or a pvc tube along the top as a ridge post and anchor them at the base with stones, bricks, or similar materials to prevent them from flying away.
Items as heat sinks such as dark colored buckets with lids filled with water to keep things warm. You can use any plastic jars, old liter bottles, etc. and fill them with red (food coloring) water. Any of these placed under your plastic and next to your plants will help keep them warm.
If you are growing seedlings for planting later, or want an easy winter food, like microgreens, help keep them warm with an electric warming pad under the shallow grow tray. (some offer solar or battery power).
As we head into winter, just remember that you can continue to grow your own healhty and fresh food all year long - even when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose! Merry Christmas and Happy New year from our family to yours.