11 Winter veggies you must plant now… or regret it all year long

December may seem like an unlikely time for gardening, but savvy growers know it’s the perfect opportunity to sow the seeds of a bountiful harvest. By carefully selecting winter-hardy vegetables, you can ensure a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the colder months and into spring. Let’s explore 11 vegetables you can sow in December for year-round harvests, along with expert tips to maximize your winter garden’s potential.

Root vegetables: the winter garden’s powerhouse

Root vegetables are the unsung heroes of winter gardening, thriving in cooler temperatures and providing essential nutrients. Two standout options for December planting are carrots and leeks.

Carrots, particularly the Amsterdam variety, are well-suited for winter sowing. These nutrient-dense veggies are packed with beta-carotene and vitamins. To successfully grow carrots:

• Prepare a deep, well-worked soil
• Sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart
• Cover with a mixture of fine soil and sand
• Water gently and maintain soil moisture

Leeks can be sown under a cold frame in December. The ‘Gros Jaune du Poitou’ variety is prized for its exceptional flavor. To sow leeks:

• Create 1 cm deep furrows
• Space seeds 1 cm apart
• Leave 5 cm between rows
• Cover with potting soil and lightly tamp down

Both carrots and leeks offer versatility in the kitchen, making them valuable additions to your winter garden. For optimal growth, consider planting these quick-growing veggies alongside your root vegetables to maximize space and yield.

Leafy greens: winter’s fresh bounty

Leafy greens provide a welcome burst of freshness during the colder months. Two excellent choices for December sowing are watercress and cabbage.

Watercress, also known as garden cress, is a vitamin-rich herb that’s easy to grow indoors. To cultivate watercress:

• Sow in pots or trays under shelter
• Use moist universal potting soil
• Plant 5-6 seeds per cell
• Keep indoors in a bright spot at 20°C

Harvest watercress about 10 days after sowing, when stems reach 5 cm in height.

Cabbage, particularly the round or pointed varieties, can be sown under shelter in milder climates. Rich in vitamins C and B9, fiber, and antioxidants, cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. To sow cabbage:

• Choose rich, well-loosened soil
• Sow in rows or broadcast
• Keep the substrate moist
• Thin seedlings to 5 cm apart when first leaves appear

Cabbage seedlings will be ready for transplanting 4-6 weeks after sowing, with harvest expected in spring. To further diversify your winter garden, consider transforming your garden into a thriving oasis with expert tips and plant suggestions.

Aromatic bulbs: flavor boosters for your winter meals

Aromatic bulbs like garlic, onions, and shallots are winter garden staples, offering both flavor and nutritional benefits. December planting allows you to enjoy their savory goodness come spring.

Here’s a handy table for planting these aromatic bulbs:

Shallots, a French culinary favorite, are prized for their subtle flavor and rich nutritional profile. Onions, the most consumed bulb vegetable, provide essential vitamins and trace elements.

To successfully grow these aromatic bulbs:

• Select permeable, light soil
• Avoid overly damp areas
• Hoe and weed regularly
• Limit watering

Harvest typically occurs between June and August, depending on the variety. For those interested in expanding their herb garden, learning from expert lessons in growing basil can complement your aromatic bulb cultivation.

Legumes: protein-packed winter gems

Legumes, rich in plant-based proteins, have a place in the winter garden too. Broad beans, peas, and chickpeas can be sown in December in regions with mild climates.

Broad beans, when sown in early winter, offer an early harvest from March to May. To cultivate broad beans:

• Amend soil with base fertilizer
• Create 5 cm deep furrows, 40 cm apart
• Sow one seed every 15 cm
• Cover and lightly tamp down
• Keep soil moist

Dwarf peas and round-seeded varieties can be sown from October to January. Rich in B vitamins, proteins, and fiber, peas are versatile in the kitchen. For successful pea sowing:

• Choose light, fresh, well-drained soil
• Sow 2 cm deep
• Space rows 40 cm apart for dwarf varieties
• Hill up three weeks after emergence

Chickpeas, another protein-rich legume, can be sown in mild climates. They require minimal maintenance and offer numerous culinary possibilities, from traditional hummus to falafel.

By incorporating these 11 vegetables into your December sowing schedule, you’re setting the stage for a productive garden that will yield fresh, nutritious produce throughout the winter and beyond. Remember to provide appropriate protection for your winter plants, and don’t hesitate to experiment with companion planting to maximize your garden’s potential. With careful planning and attention to detail, your winter garden will thrive, offering a rewarding harvest even in the coldest months.

Discover 11 vegetables to sow in December for year-round harvests and learn expert tips for winter gardening success.

• Root vegetables like carrots and leeks thrive in winter
• Leafy greens such as watercress and cabbage offer fresh nutrition
• Aromatic bulbs including garlic, onions, and shallots enhance flavors
• Legumes like broad beans and peas provide protein-rich options

Allan

Meet Allan, Gardening Enthusiast

Allan is a nature lover and gardening enthusiast. Over the years, he has honed his skills to create beautiful and calming green spaces. On his blog, Allan shares practical tips, DIY project ideas, and plant care advice. He invites you to explore his world and find inspiration to transform your garden into a peaceful, nature-friendly oasis.

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