As the winter season settles in, growth in the vegetable garden slows to a halt. While it might not be freezing, the lack of sunlight and wet, heavy soil make for difficult growing conditions. However, the hardiest crops like chard, kale, leeks, and winter salads still hang on, providing modest but valuable pickings throughout the colder months. To help these crops thrive, here are five essential care tips for overwintering:
1. Maximize Available Light
During midwinter, particularly in cloudy regions, light levels are often too low for optimal growth. To help your plants make the most of the limited light, give them more space to spread out. For crops like salad greens, this means spacing plants about 25 cm (9 inches) apart, which is wider than during the growing season. With extra room, plants can catch more sunlight, leading to healthier growth and more leaves to harvest.
2. Water Less
In milder climates, watering typically stops in the fall and doesn’t resume until spring. However, in warmer regions or greenhouses, plants still need occasional water. The key is not to overwater. If you’re growing under cover, water every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This helps prevent issues like mildew, mold, and pests like slugs. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise in the spring, you can gradually resume a more regular watering schedule.
3. Support Wind-Battered Brassicas
Winter winds can damage tall crops like kale and Brussels sprouts. To prevent them from falling over or breaking, provide extra support by mounding soil around the base of the stems. For particularly top-heavy plants, stake them with a sturdy bamboo cane and tie them with soft twine or raffia to avoid damage. Additionally, brassicas are often targeted by pigeons in winter. If they’re being eaten too much, cover the plants with mesh or netting to protect them from hungry birds.
4. Shield Plants from the Cold
Protection from the cold can significantly extend the growing season. Structures like tunnels or greenhouses can provide a two-month extension by trapping sunlight and warmth. For crops growing outdoors, consider using clear polythene low tunnels or garden fleece to keep them warmer. These coverings help protect crops like leafy greens, spinach, and carrots from frost. On particularly cold nights, adding extra blankets over the tunnels can prevent freezing. Also, covers provide protection from animals like deer and rabbits that may nibble on your crops.
5. Practice Patience
Some crops, like chard, stop growing during the winter months. Though it may seem like they’ve slowed down completely, they’re simply taking a winter break. After a few leaves in early winter, chard will pause growth and then start producing tender new leaves as spring approaches. This process requires patience but results in a delightful early spring harvest. Taking a step back and allowing these crops to rest can make the eventual harvest even more rewarding, reminding us of the simple pleasures of gardening.
By following these care tips, you can ensure your overwintering crops stay healthy and continue to provide fresh produce as winter gradually fades into spring.