10 Tips for Growing Winter Vegetables

As a dedicated vegetable farmer, you may have thought your growing season comes to a screeching halt when winter’s icy grip takes hold. But what if I told you that you can extend your harvest and keep fresh, organic vegetables on your plates year-round?

At Ferme Quatre-Temps, our smallscale market-garden farm, we specialize in year-round vegetable growing, and I’m here to share our top 10 tips for successful winter vegetable farming.

1. CHOOSE COLD HARDY CROPS:

The key to winter success is selecting the right crops. Opt for cold-hardy varieties such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula and parsley. These tough greens can withstand the chill.

2. SIMPLE SHELTER IS KEY:

You’ll need some form of shelter to protect your crops from harsh winter weather. Hoop houses, greenhouses or caterpillar tunnels are excellent choices. The shelter makes all the difference.

3. PLAN WELL IN ADVANCE:

Successful winter vegetable farming starts with careful planning. Think at least four months ahead. Order your seeds and create a nursery calendar to ensure a smooth transition into the colder months.

4. LAYER UP FOR THE COLD NIGHTS:

Prepare for exceptionally chilly nights by adding an extra layer of protection inside your shelters. Row covers work wonders for retaining heat and keeping your crops cozy.

5. PRIORITIZE LIGHT:

Winter’s most limiting factor for vegetable growth is sunlight. Plan to grow your crops before November 1 and after January 15, when daylight hours are more favorable.

6. CHOOSE MULTIPLE HARVEST CROPS:

Opt for crops that can stay in the ground for up to six months and provide regular harvests. Avoid singleharvest crops or intercrop them with multiple harvest varieties in the same bed for increased profitability.

7. KEEP AN EYE ON PESTS:

Don’t underestimate pests in the winter. Aphids, in particular, can be active and reproduce at very low temperatures.

Regularly inspect your crops for signs of infestations.

8. TAKE DETAILED NOTES:

Record-keeping is essential. Document yields per bed and note temperatures at which crops succumb to cold. Learning from your successes and failures will be your most valuable teacher.

9. CONSIDER MINIMAL HEATING:

To boost yields and maintain comfortable working conditions, consider minimally heating your greenhouses to maintain a temperature around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. This slight warmth can make a significant difference.

10. EMBRACE THE SLOWER PACE:

Remember, time seems to move at a more leisurely pace in the winter, and your farming should reflect that. Embrace a slower pace for a well-balanced farmer’s life as a year-round grower.

Don’t let the winter freeze your ambitions! With these ten tips, you can keep your farm producing fresh, vibrant vegetables even in the coldest of seasons. Happy growing!