Introduction – Winter Vegetable Growing
A home garden is a way to reduce carbon emissions due to food transport. But the best vegetables to grow in the summer are different from those in the winter. Growing vegetables in the winter season is fun and easy.
The best thing about planting vegetables in winter is that you don’t have to worry as much about insect pests and diseases as you do in the summer. In this article, we will discuss the best vegetables to grow in winter in the next sections.
Growing vegetables in your backyard can be a great way to get fresh, healthy produce at your fingertips. But sometimes, the hot summer sun can be too much for delicate veggies like lettuce and spinach. In these cases, it’s best to grow them in the cooler weather of spring or fall—or even winter, in some parts of the country.
Veggies that do well in winter include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, and turnips. By starting your plants from seedlings instead of seeds, you’ll give them a head start on the growing season.
And if you live in an area with harsh winters, you can always grow your veggies indoors under artificial lights. Let’s look at some of the best vegetables to grow in winter.
Below, we include the average inferred carbon intensity of the vegetable. Values for leafy vegetables were unavailable except lettuce for which we substituted the missing values. The carbon intensity numbers are available from this page on unprocessed agricultural products with sources.
10 Best Vegetables To Grow In Winter
If you are ready to start your winter garden, here are the 10 best vegetables to grow in winter.
1. Broccoli
Carbon Intensity: 0.57 kg CO2 / kg
Broccoli is one of the best vegetables to grow in the winter due to its hard nature and low maintenance requirements. With a long growing season from fall to early spring, broccoli can tolerate cold temperatures and produce nutritious and delicious heads.
Because it requires little water and fertilizer, this superfood can be grown without much effort or expense. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced grower looking for an easy crop to cultivate in spare moments, broccoli is worth considering as your go-to winter vegetable of choice.
2. Cabbage
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
Cabbage is an excellent vegetable to grow in winter for several reasons. First and foremost, cabbage is incredibly hardy, making it well suited to withstand colder temperatures and less favorable weather conditions.
Cabbage is packed with nutrients, so growing it during the winter allows you to take advantage of its many health benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your first winter planting, cabbage is one vegetable worth looking into.
Finally, cabbage grows quickly and easily, even when other plants tend to fizzle out or die off during the colder months.
3. Beet
Carbon Intensity: 0.25 kg CO2 / kg
Beets are one of the best vegetables to grow in winter, as they thrive under cooler temperatures and can withstand cold conditions while still producing beautiful and nutrient-rich roots.
This makes them ideal for gardeners who wish to extend their growing season well into the winter. Because beets need relatively little care and attention to thrive, they are also a great choice for beginner gardeners looking to start cultivating their produce.
A bed of beets is the perfect addition to any garden, providing a splash of color amidst all the greenery and an array of edible roots that you can harvest throughout the chilly days of winter.
4. Brussels Sprout
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
The plant will withstand frost and can even be left in the ground over winter to be harvested as needed. Brussels sprouts are the perfect vegetable to grow in the cold winter months.
These hearty plants thrive in cooler weather and are well-suited to areas with shorter growing seasons. Moreover, brussels sprouts produce a bounty of nutrient-rich leaves and compact, flavorful buds that can be harvested throughout the chilly season.
In addition to their tasty and nourishing qualities, brussels sprouts are also easy to cultivate. They can be planted from seed or transplanted from established plants and adapt well to most soil types. Brussels sprouts truly are one of the best vegetables for cultivating during wintertime.
5. Carrots
Carbon Intensity: 0.24 kg CO2 / kg
For many good reasons, carrots are one of the best vegetables to grow during the winter. First and foremost, they are incredibly nutrient-dense, packing a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and help to keep us healthy.
Carrots are easy to grow in most climates, thriving best in cool conditions where temperatures remain between 40-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, carrots require very little maintenance compared to other plants; as long as you have fertile soil, plenty of moisture, and a sunny spot in your garden, these hardy veggies will thrive. With all these benefits, it is clear why carrots are one of the best vegetables for winter gardening!
6. Celery
Carbon Intensity: 0.32 kg CO2 / kg
Celery is another excellent vegetable to grow in winter, as it is a cool-weather crop that does best in temperatures between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for gardeners in areas with shorter growing seasons or cooler climates.
Celery is also a nutrient-rich vegetable, providing a good source of vitamins A and C and potassium and fiber. Additionally, celery is incredibly easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited space.
Whether you’re looking to add some extra nutrition to your winter diet or simply want to enjoy the flavor of this tasty vegetable, celery is a great option for winter gardening.
7. Collards
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, collards are one of the best vegetables to grow in winter. They are low-maintenance, cold-hardy plants that can thrive even in harsher conditions.
Moreover, they produce an abundance of healthy leaves packed full of nutrients and minerals. Because collards can grow large during the cold winter, they are often used for hearty soups and stews.
So if you want to keep your diet rich and hearty throughout the winter, collards are the vegetable for you! Whether you plant them from seed or start them as transplants, with a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh collard greens throughout the winter.
8. Leafy Lettuces
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that thrives in temperatures between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent choice for winter gardening. Leafy lettuces are relatively easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest of nutrient-rich greens.
What’s more, lettuce is a versatile vegetable used in various dishes, from salads to sandwiches. So if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to add some extra nutrition to your winter diet, then leafy lettuces are the perfect vegetable!
Whether you start them from seed or transplant them into your garden, with a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh lettuce all winter.
9. Kale
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
Growing kale in the winter can be one of the best choices for a gardener. With its tough, hearty leaves and easy-to-grow nature, this vegetable is perfect for keeping your garden thriving even in the coldest months of the year.
Kale loves cool temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for planting in the fall or winter. When properly cared for, kale will be full of nutrients and flavor you won’t find with other vegetables on your kitchen table.
And best of all, it’s so easy to grow that even first-time gardeners can have success with this vibrant leafy green!
10. Leeks
Carbon Intensity: 0.41 kg CO2 / kg (greenhouse: 2.67 kg CO2 / kg)
Leeks are one of the best vegetables to grow in winter due to their hardy nature and adaptability to cold conditions.
These long, green vegetables are beloved by cooks worldwide for their mild but flavorful flavor and thick stalks, making them an ideal choice for sautéing, roasting, and more.
Best of all, leeks can be easily grown at home, even if you don’t have a lot of space or experience in gardening.
With just a little care and some basic knowledge about planting and protecting your leeks from frost and wind, you will soon find a bountiful crop of these nutritious veggies that can tide you over until spring arrives in full force.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, many different vegetables can be grown in winter with success. These include leafy greens, root vegetables, and more.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have a healthy and delicious winter garden that will provide you with fresh produce all season long. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting!