When the coldest season of the year arrives, winter, we are more prone to illnesses and colds. A good way to combat this risk and improve our immune system is by eating winter vegetables. Not only are they beneficial to our health, but they are cheaper than out-of-season vegetables and they harm the environment less. Apart from promoting the sustainability of the earth and reducing CO2 emissions, we also consume these vegetables at their optimum point.
Despite the low temperatures and frosts that winter brings, many products that can be harvested during this season have very few calories, but still They provide all the minerals and vitamins our body needs to prevent colds and flu. In this article we will talk about winter vegetables that can be harvested at this time of year, and also about those that can be sown.
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What vegetables can you harvest in winter?
When we talk about harvesting winter vegetables, we are referring to the process by which vegetables and fruits are harvested from the field. forever you have to take into account the time and also the time when it was sown. It should be noted that cultivation during the winter season has several advantages, among them the fact that many vegetables planted at this time can be extended throughout the year, such as lettuce.
While it is true that many orchards are often empty during the colder months, with proper planning vegetables can be harvested in a very short time. We will then name Vegetables most often harvested in winter:
- Leeks: An ideal vegetable for preparing broths and creams. In case we don’t have an orchard, we can also plant them in planters or small pots.
- Spinach and chard: Both are characterized by being very rich in provitamin A and folic acid. They are usually harvested during the cooler months of the year.
- Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli: You could say that cabbages are the queens of winter vegetables, as they are very popular when temperatures are low. Of course, they cannot be missing in our winter garden.
- Choy pack: It is a very popular vegetable in Asian cuisine. These vegetables have become very fashionable and it is not surprising, since one of their greatest advantages is that they can be harvested a month after planting. Most of those found in Spanish supermarkets come from Almería.
What vegetables can you grow in winter?
During the coldest time of the year Many winter vegetables can be grown. Next, we’ll talk about which ones are most resistant to cold climates and which are grown the most during this season, including their most notable characteristics and the waiting time for harvest:
- Chard: We can grow Swiss chard all year round, including winter. These vegetables are distinguished by their great richness in vitamins A, C and E and their high fiber content. Its leaves start coming out after about two months, more or less.
- Artichokes: The ideal months for artichokes are March and April, as they need a temperate climate. They stand out for their purifying, energizing and diuretic properties. In addition, they have a very high content of iron, phosphorus and calcium. We will be able to enjoy its fruits three or four months after transplanting its seeds.
- Celery: While it is true that it is quite difficult to grow celery in winter because it does not tolerate cold well, it is not an impossible task. It is well known that this vegetable has diuretic properties and helps against kidney stones and anxiety. Cultivation of celery usually lasts about four months.
- Cabbage: As we have already mentioned, cabbages are one of the best options for our winter garden because they are very resistant to frost. Of course, before cultivating this vegetable, care must be taken to choose a variety that is cold-resistant so as not to be disappointed. Cabbages can be harvested after about 30 weeks.
- Cauliflower: Like cabbage, cauliflower also tolerates low temperatures and frost very well. To obtain a good harvest, it is important to prepare the soil correctly beforehand, since this vegetable requires many nutrients to grow and develop. It begins to germinate between ninety and two hundred days.
- Spinach: The best time to plant spinach is between September and November. This vegetable grows very quickly, so it is not surprising that we can get the first harvest after only two and a half months. They are ideal vegetables to prevent vision problems, fight anemia and help the proper functioning of the bones.
- Salad: Without a doubt, lettuce is one of the most consumed vegetables, especially in regions with a temperate climate, and it can be grown in winter. This vegetable generally develops between twenty and sixty days after its cultivation.
- Carrot: One of the most common winter vegetables is carrots. Among the many benefits that this vegetable brings us are its high iron and phosphorus content, its calming effect on gastric problems and its ability to prevent constipation. Carrots can usually be harvested after three to four weeks.
Tips for planting winter vegetables
Some winter vegetables are characterized primarily by a preference for low temperatures and high humidity. Thus, the coldest season of the year is the best to grow them, as they will develop their fruit better. However, many vegetables are also considered winter withstand low temperatures and frost better than others. Thus, both farmers and individuals will be able to take advantage of the orchard during the winter.
However, all vegetables are at risk from frost. For him it is essential to know how to take care of our garden, what are its needs in winter and how to protect plants during the coldest season of the year.
How to maintain the garden in winter
The first step in the preparation and subsequent maintenance of the garden during the winter is to plan it in the fall. According to experts, it is best to plant in sunny locations for the plants to establish and grow healthy. We also have to choose what kind of vegetables we are going to plant in our garden. As already mentioned, very good examples are cabbage, lettuce or leek, as they develop very well during the winter.
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What to plant in winter
As for the land, the best time to prepare it is in December. During this month, we will be able to develop the following tasks, among others:
- remove weeds
- pave the way
- nourish the soil
- Plum
- Fertilize: It is best to use species such as rye, clover, vetch and alfalfa.
- Water: It is necessary to water in the morning or at nightfall, and the waterings must be short.
How to protect the garden from frost
In winter, the main problems for crops are cold and rain. According to specialists, One of the best options for insulating the temperature is the so-called “mulch”. It is a vegetable layer made of dry leaves which are placed around the vegetables. This layer will protect them from weather changes in the soil, such as humidity.
In order to protect the harvest, it is also common to use plastic or glass protectors. It is even a good idea to cover the garden with a plastic tunnel. This type of protectors will help facilitate the ripening of vegetables. Below we will list some protective measures that we can take to protect our garden from frost:
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How to prepare the garden for winter
- Use greenhouses: Thanks to the greenhouses, we will lengthen the harvests and also the harvest will be more productive. In addition, some vegetables will be able to resist better if they grow and develop in closed spaces.
- Avoid using fertilizers: Using fertilizer on new shoots or leaves will make them much more susceptible to cold and especially frost. It is therefore necessary to avoid using them in winter and leave them in spring.
- Insulate the pots: If it’s cold, a good option is to wrap the jars in bubble wrap. This way, the vegetables will better withstand low rainfall.
- Place the protective fabrics: Protective fabrics are a good option to prevent bird bites, cold and downpours.
- Put the hibernate meshes: Hibernation nets are usually used in orchards where fruit trees grow. They are very easy to install and their function is essentially to protect against bad weather.
- Use thermal blankets: Another good technique to protect vegetables from the winter cold is to use thermal blankets. They are very easy to put on and take off and are really cheap.
You already have all the information you need to be able to grow and harvest winter vegetables. By protecting the garden well, you can enjoy it throughout the year and enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables.