I've been gardening year-round, but I've noticed that growth slows down significantly in the winter, making me question if I'm wasting my time. My greens are thriving, but broccoli is just okay, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts aren't doing much, and even my fava beans are sluggish. I'm looking for any tips or strategies to enhance winter gardening because I've got some experience under my belt!
3 Answers
Honestly, for me, it's all about kale and Swiss chard. They hold up pretty well in the winter, so those are my go-to crops this season.
You're doing great, especially with those greens! It's tough in winter but keep experimenting! I’ve pretty much given up on favas and Brussels sprouts because they just take too long for too little return. But broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and kale are fantastic choices for this time of year. It really helps if you figure out the planting times for each type, but that's mostly trial and error. I still learn something new every winter!
I totally get where you're coming from! Anything planted after mid-November really seems to just sit and wait until late January. But trust me, it's worth it when things wake up around February! What we do is plant a few beds with healthy seedlings early in October so they can establish themselves. Just a couple beds, otherwise you might drown in produce! It helps them get enough leaf area to utilize the limited sunlight. The alliums, cabbage, and lettuces go in afterward, and they just hang out until spring. It might take time, but soon enough, your garden will look alive again!