Cold Season Vegetable Farming
Vegetable growing is typically a warm-weather task, running from mid-spring to late summer or early fall, depending on the length of maturation of the vegetables being grown. In this article, we give you some tips to be able to grow vegetables in cold weather.
Most plants need more extended daylight and warmer temperatures for optimal growth. However, some do best in cooler temperatures in early spring or late fall.
The crops and the cold
Cold climates occur in places close to the polar circles and in elevated areas around the world and desert regions.
Temperatures are usually low for a good part of the year — winter — frosts last well into spring and arrive early in autumn.
Many common vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, or aubergines die when temperatures approach 0 ° C. On the other hand, others resist cold well and even develop better in cooler temperatures than hot.
However, very few vegetables can withstand intense cold, freezing temperatures for several days in a row. This is because the plant tissues contain water. If it freezes, the ice crystals that form break the cells, causing the plant to die or, in the best of cases, suffer damages of different considerations in the younger or tender tissues.
The shoots, young leaves, and flowers are the parts most sensitive to cold.
11 Tips for Success When Growing Vegetables in Cold Weather.
Suppose you are planting cold-weather varieties of vegetables in late summer/fall or early spring. In that case, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- Plan the planting dates based on the expected frosts:
If you are going to grow in the fall, consider the expected frost date in your area. Sow the seeds well in advance for them to mature before the threat of frost. If you plant in spring, according to the directions on the seed packet – many cool-season crops can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, or about two weeks before the frost-free date.
- Opt for varieties of shorter duration of growth:
When buying seeds, look for varieties of plants that mature quickly. A shorter growth duration helps ensure plants are ready for harvest before the weather turns bad.
- Work the soil well and add compost:
The soil in your garden has been affected by the previous growing season, especially if you are planting in the fall, after the summer harvest. Work the soil well to break up any clumps that have formed, and add an inch of mature compost to rejuvenate it.
- Apply a light dose of fertilizer:
Cold season crops proliferate; some varieties like lettuce and radishes are ready for harvest in as little as 30 days. After planting the seeds, apply a reduced dose of fertilizer to give the seedlings a good start.
- Don’t mulch the soil until the seedlings have established:
Mulching garden beds after planting is generally recommended due to the many benefits.
When growing vegetables in cold weather, give the seeds time to germinate and the seedlings to establish. By pushing up through a layer of mulch, they use the energy they need to grow rapidly.
- Plant in succession:
To ensure a continuous harvest before the weather gets too hot or too cold, plant in two-week intervals. This will give you a constant supply of produce during the short growing season.
- Water regularly:
Cooler weather means that the soil in the garden will not dry out as quickly as in the hot summer months, but regular watering is still important. Keep the soil moist, preventing it from drying out.
- Apply compost tea after germination:
Give them a nutrition boost with compost tea about three to four weeks after they are grown. This will give them the food they need for the entire growing season. Here we explain the benefits of using compost tea as a garden additive and the step-by-step process to make it.
- Keep growing areas free of weeds:
Cold weather crops want to spend most of their energy growing quickly. Weeds in the garden bed will frustrate your efforts by taking up valuable resources like nutrients and water. Pull out weeds after they sprout.
- Protect from extreme temperatures:
When planting vegetables at the end of the summer season, there is always the risk of unexpected inclement weather. Protect crops by covering them during a frost warning, or build a small greenhouse in your garden bed for a more long-term solution.
Micro tunnels are a sure way to protect vegetables (and other plants) from extreme weather damage.
The concept is simple: use a transparent material that lets in sunlight but is strong enough to withstand low temperatures.
It is suggested to use a recycled wooden frame (made up of old boxes, drawers, or pallets, for example) with a strong plastic stretched over it.
- Harvest with care:
Since winter vegetables tend to be slow to grow, adjust the timing and quantity of harvest to ensure optimal growth.
Allow enough time for them to ripen and harvest just before frost, preferably in a drier climate to avoid sticky soils. Whenever possible, do not dent or damage the vegetables left on the ground.
List of vegetables that grow in cold climates
Here we show you the vegetables that can be grown in cold climates. These include leafy greens and root vegetables such as:
- Chard
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Onion
- Chiboulette
- Cabbage
- Brussel sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Green peas
- Broad beans
- Kale
- Turnips
- Potato
- Radishes
- Beets
- Arugula
- Carrots
