22 Crops that Grow in Winter: Garden Guide
Do you wish you could grow fresh produce year-round? Winter gardening makes it possible.
With the right cold-weather crops, you can enjoy healthy vegetables even when the temperature drops.
Many crops, like kale, carrots, and broccoli, thrive in winter, offering you a steady supply of nutritious food during the colder months.
It may seem challenging, but with the right guidance, winter gardening can be simple and rewarding.
This guide will introduce you to the best crops for your winter garden and provide helpful tips on how to grow and maintain them.
You don’t have to wait for spring to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce—let your winter garden flourish instead!
Understanding Cold-Hardy Crops
Brassica Family Winter’s Nutritional Powerhouses
The Brassica family offers some of the most cold-resistant and nutritious crops for winter gardens.
These vegetables not only survive cold temperatures but often improve in flavor when exposed to frost.
1. Cabbage
Temperature Tolerance: Cabbage thrives in temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), making it a top choice for winter gardens.
Cold weather actually enhances its sweetness and texture.
Benefits and Uses: Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, providing impressive health benefits.
Its versatility shines in raw salads, cooked dishes, and fermented preparations like sauerkraut.
Growing Tips: Gardeners should start cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Transplant the seedlings to full-sun locations and space plants 12-18 inches apart. Using mulch will help protect the root systems.
Maintenance Needs: Water cabbage plants deeply but infrequently. Monitor them regularly for pest activity and add compost to support nutrient levels.
Row covers can provide additional protection during extreme cold spells.
2. Cauliflower
Temperature Tolerance: Cauliflower prefers cool temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C).
Gardeners should be aware that sudden temperature changes can significantly impact their growth.
Benefits and Uses: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, cauliflower offers low-calorie nutrition.
Cooks can be used in roasted dishes, as a rice substitute, and in creative plant-based recipes.
Growing Tips: Start cauliflower seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Choose a sheltered garden spot with consistent soil moisture.
Light frost protection can help ensure successful growth.
Maintenance Needs: Provide a steady water supply to cauliflower plants. Watch carefully for temperature fluctuations.
Using organic fertilizers and protecting the plants from strong winds will support healthy growth.
3. Broccoli
Temperature Tolerance: Broccoli withstands temperatures down to 28°F (-2°C). It grows best in cool conditions, making it an ideal choice for winter gardens.
Benefits and Uses: Broccoli is extremely nutritious, containing high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Cooks can enjoy it in stir-fries, salads, and as a simple steamed side dish.
Growing Tips: Plant broccoli seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Select well-draining soil and space plants 18 inches apart. Consistent moisture is key to successful growth.
Maintenance Needs: Water broccoli plants regularly but lightly. Remove side shoots to encourage continued growth. Check frequently for cabbage worms and add organic compost monthly to support plant health.
4. Brussels Sprouts
TemperatureTolerance: Brussels sprouts thrive in temperatures between 25-35°F (-4 to 2°C). Interestingly, frost actually improves their flavor, making them sweeter.
Benefits and Uses: Brussels sprouts are high in protein and fiber and offer significant nutritional value. They are delicious when roasted, sautéed, or added to winter salads.
Growing Tips: Start Brussels sprout seeds indoors 4 months before the first frost—transplant to full-sun areas and space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Provide support for these tall-growing plants.
Maintenance Needs: Brussels sprouts require consistent watering. Lower leaves should be removed as the plant grows.
The plants should be protected from strong winds and added slow-release fertilizer to support robust growth.
5. Collard Greens
Temperature Tolerance: Collard greens can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), making them extremely cold-hardy vegetables.
Benefits and Uses: Packed with vitamins A, C, and calcium, collard greens are nutritional champions.
They are staples in Southern cooking and are great in soups, stews, and sautéed greens.
Growing Tips: Sow collard green seeds directly in the garden. Choose locations with sunny to partial shade.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart and use mulch to retain soil warmth.
Maintenance Needs: Water collard greens deeply once a week. Remove any yellowing leaves to maintain plant health.
Watch for aphids and regularly add organic matter to the soil.
By selecting these Brassica family crops, gardeners can create a productive and nutritious winter garden that provides fresh vegetables during the coldest months.
Allium Family: Winter’s Flavor Guardians
The Allium family brings robust flavors and incredible cold resistance to winter gardens.
These vegetables not only survive chilly temperatures but also add a rich taste to winter meals.
6. Green Onions
Temperature Tolerance: Green onions can tolerate cold weather down to 20°F (-6°C) and keep growing even when other plants stop growing.
They stay strong through light snow and freezing nights.
Benefits and Uses: Green onions add fresh flavor to many dishes. They contain vitamins K and C and helpful plant compounds.
Use them raw in salads, as garnish, in dips, or cooked in stir-fries and soups.
Growing Tips: Plant green onion seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. They need 6-8 hours of sun daily.
You can also regrow them from store-bought ones by putting the white root ends in water or soil.
Maintenance Needs: Water green onions when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Cut what you need while leaving 1-2 inches of white stem for continued growth. They rarely get pests but watch for signs of rot in wet weather.
7. Garlic
Temperature Tolerance: Garlic is very cold-tough and can live through winters with temperatures as low as 0°F (-17°C). The cold actually helps the bulbs split into cloves.
Benefits and Uses: Garlic contains strong health-helping compounds that fight germs and lower heart risk.
It makes food taste better and can be used in almost any cooked dish, from roasts to sauces.
Growing Tips: Plant garlic cloves in the fall, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointed end up.
They need full sun, well-drained soil, and lots of organic matter.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil moist but not wet. Cut off any flower stalks (scapes) to help the plant focus on growing bigger bulbs.
Pull weeds by hand to avoid hurting the shallow roots.
8. Leeks
Temperature Tolerance: Leeks can stand temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) and often taste better after light frost. They can stay in the ground all winter in mild areas.
Benefits and Uses: Leeks have a mild, sweet onion flavor. They contain fiber, folate, and vitamin K.
They shine in soups, stews, and roasted dishes and pair well with potatoes and cream.
Growing Tips: Start leeks inside 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Plant them in trenches 6 inches deep, spaced 6 inches apart.
As they grow, fill in soil around stems to make them white and tender.
Maintenance Needs: Water leeks deeply once a week. Add mulch around plants to keep weeds down and the soil moist.
Hill up soil around stems every few weeks to increase the white portion. Check for leek moths and rust.
Leafy Greens Crop For Winter
9. Lettuce
Temperature Tolerance: Lettuce grows best in cool weather between 45-65°F (7-18°C).
It can handle light frost but will stop growing below 28°F (-2°C). Heat over 70°F (21°C) turns it bitter and goes to seed quickly.
Benefits and Uses: Lettuce is low in calories but rich in water, fiber, and vitamins A and K.
It’s perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps and as a bed for hot foods. Different types (romaine, butterhead, leaf) offer varied textures and flavors.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Plant every two weeks for ongoing harvest.
Choose shade in warmer months. Lettuce needs consistent moisture to stay sweet and prevent bolting.
Maintenance Needs: Water often but gently to keep the soil moist. Halfway through growth, add a thin layer of compost.
Watch for slugs and aphids—use diatomaceous earth as a safe control method. Harvest outer leaves first to extend your crop.
10. Swiss Chard
Temperature Tolerance: Swiss chard can withstand temperatures from 25°F (-4°C) to 75°F (24°C), making it a tough plant for many seasons.
It often lives through winter with basic protection and comes back in spring.
Benefits and Uses: Swiss chard stems come in bright colors (red, yellow, orange) and dark green leaves.
They’re full of vitamins A, C, K and minerals. Cook stems like asparagus and leaves like spinach in soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-6 inches apart. Thin to 6-12 inches as they grow.
Swiss chard likes full sun in cool areas but needs afternoon shade in hot spots. It grows well in containers at least 12 inches deep.
Maintenance Needs: Water weekly with 1-1.5 inches of water. Add compost at planting time.
Cut outer leaves at the base for harvest while leaving the center to keep growing. Check for leaf miners and use row covers if needed.
11. Kale
Temperature Tolerance: Kale is a cold-weather star that gets sweeter after frost.
It can live through temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) without protection and keeps growing in fall and winter when other plants quit.
Benefits and Uses: Kale packs more nutrition per calorie than almost any food—it is loaded with vitamins A, K, C, and calcium.
It can be used in smoothies, salads (massage with oil first to soften), soups, chips, and stir-fries.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 18-24 inches apart. Kale likes full sun but takes partial shade.
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost for spring, or plant directly in late summer for fall and winter harvest.
Maintenance Needs: Water 1-1.5 inches weekly. Add compost when planting and feed with fish emulsion monthly. Remove older yellow leaves.
Watch for cabbage worms—hand-pick or use BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray for control.
12. Spinach
Temperature Tolerance: Spinach grows best between 35-75°F (2 and 24°C) and can handle freezing temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C).
Cold weather makes it grow slower but tastes sweeter, while heat causes a bitter taste and bolting.
Benefits and Uses: Spinach offers iron, vitamins A and C, folate, and lutein for eye health.
Young leaves can be used raw in salads and smoothies, and mature leaves can be cooked in pasta, egg dishes, soups, and sautés.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
Spinach needs 6 hours of sun in cool weather and more shade when warmer. Fall crops often do better than spring ones as days get cooler rather than hotter.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil evenly moist—spinach has shallow roots. Add a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks.
Check for leaf miners and aphids—harvest by cutting leaves an inch above the soil for regrowth.
13. Mustard Greens
Temperature Tolerance: Mustard greens thrive in 40-60°F (4-15°C) weather and can handle light frosts to 25°F (-4°C). They grow fast—ready to eat in just 4-6 weeks from seed.
Benefits and Uses: These greens have a spicy, peppery kick that gets milder when cooked. They contain vitamins A, C, K, and calcium.
Use young leaves in salad mixes, stir-fry older ones, or add to soups and stews. They’re key in many Asian and Southern dishes.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep with 6-12 inches between plants.
They thrive in full sun during cool weather but need shade when hot. Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
Maintenance Needs: Water consistently to prevent bitter taste—about 1 inch per week. Side-dress with compost after a month of growth.
Pick outer leaves first, letting the center keep growing. Watch for flea beetles—use row covers or spray with neem oil if needed.
Root Vegetables: A Complete Growing Guide
14. Radishes
Temperature Tolerance: Radishes thrive in temperatures between 50-70°F (10 and 21°C) and can handle light frosts down to 28°F (-2°C).
They grow quickly and are often ready to harvest in just 20 to 30 days from planting.
Benefits and Uses: Rich in vitamin C and potassium, radishes provide a crisp, peppery flavor.
They can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, roasted, or used as a garnish. Some varieties work well in stir-fries or as a crunchy side dish.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds directly in the garden, about 1/2 inch deep. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows.
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Ensure well-draining soil with consistent moisture.
Maintenance Needs: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Harvest when roots are small and tender. Watch for pests like root maggots and use row covers if needed.
15. Carrots
Temperature Tolerance: Carrots grow best in cool temperatures between 60-70°F (15 and 21°C). They can tolerate light frosts and continue growing in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C).
Benefits and Uses: Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, it is an excellent source of antioxidants and supports eye health.
You can eat it raw, roasted, steamed, or added to soups and stews. It is also great for juicing and cooking.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds directly in loose, sandy soil. Plant 1/4 inch deep, spacing seeds 2-3 inches apart.
Ensure deep, loose soil to allow proper root development. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Use row covers to protect from carrot rust flies. Harvest when roots reach the desired size.
16. Beets
Temperature Tolerance: Beets grow best in cool temperatures between 50-65°F (10 and 18°C). They can withstand light frosts and continue growing in temperatures down to 40°F (4°C).
Benefits and Uses: Beets are high in fiber, folate, and manganese. Both roots and leaves are edible.
They are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Roast, pickle, juice, or add to salads. Beet greens work well in stir-fries.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Sow directly in the garden after the last frost. It can be planted in early spring or late summer.
Maintenance Needs: Water consistently to prevent tough, woody roots. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart.
Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Watch for leaf miners and use row covers if needed. Harvest when roots are tennis ball-sized.
17. Turnips
Temperature Tolerance: Turnips thrive in cool temperatures between 40-60°F (4-15°C). They can tolerate light frosts and grow best in the spring and fall seasons.
Benefits and Uses: Roots are low in calories and high in vitamins C and K. Both roots and greens are nutritious.
Roots can be roasted, mashed, or added to stews. Greens work well in salads or cooked like spinach.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart in rows. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results. Ensure soil is rich in organic matter.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Watch for cabbage root flies and use protective covers. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter.
18. Rutabagas
Temperature Tolerance: Rutabagas grow best in cool temperatures between 50-65°F (10 and 18°C). They can withstand light frosts and prefer to fall-growing conditions.
Benefits and Uses: They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber and have a mild, sweet flavor when cooked.
Roast, mash, or add to stews and soups. They are lower in calories compared to potatoes, making them a nutritious alternative.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart in rows. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil.
Sow in mid-summer for fall harvest. Ensure consistent moisture during growth.
Maintenance Needs: Water deeply and consistently. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Protect from root maggots using row covers. Harvest when roots reach 3-4 inches in diameter.
19. Parsnips
Temperature Tolerance: Parsnips thrive in cool temperatures between 50-70°F (10 and 21°C). They can withstand light frosts and taste sweeter after exposure to cold weather.
Benefits and Uses: It is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. When cooked, it has a sweet, nutty flavor.
Roast, mash, or add it to soups and stews. It can also be eaten raw or used in baking as a natural sweetener.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart in rows. Choose a sunny location with deep, loose soil.
Plant in early spring for late fall harvest. Ensure soil is free from rocks and debris.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Be patient, as parsnips take longer to mature. Harvest after the first frost for the best flavor.
Additional Crops
20. Peas
Temperature Tolerance: Peas are cool-season crops that grow best in temperatures between 45-75°F (7-24°C).
They can germinate in soil as cold as 40°F (4°C) and tolerate light frosts down to 28°F (-2°C).
Benefits and Uses: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Fresh peas are sweet and versatile.
Eat raw in salads, steam, add to stir-fries, or use in soups. Provide excellent nutrition and add natural sweetness to many dishes.
Growing Tips: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep, 2-3 inches apart in rows. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Support with trellises or stakes for climbing varieties. Plant as soon as soil can be worked in early spring.
Maintenance Needs: Water consistently but avoid overwatering. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Harvest frequently to encourage continued production. Watch for pests like aphids and use natural predators or neem oil if needed.
Cold-Weather Herbs
21. Parsley
Temperature Tolerance: Parsley thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). It can withstand light frosts and continues growing in cool conditions. Tolerates temperatures as low as 28°F (-2°C).
Benefits and Uses: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Contains antioxidants and supports immune health.
Use fresh in salads, as a garnish, or add to soups and stews. Excellent in marinades and as a flavor enhancer for many dishes.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 6-8 inches apart. Choose a location with partial shade to full sun. Provide consistent moisture.
It can be grown in containers or garden beds. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in early spring.
Maintenance Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and control temperature.
Trim outer stems to encourage continued growth. Protect from extreme cold with row covers if needed.
22. Cilantro
Temperature Tolerance: Cilantro grows best in temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C). It prefers cool weather and bolts quickly in high temperatures. Can tolerate light frosts down to 32°F (0°C).
Benefits and Uses: Low in calories, high in vitamins A, C, and K. Supports digestion and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Essential in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Use leaves fresh in salsas, salads, and as a garnish.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 6-8 inches apart. Choose a location with partial shade in warm climates.
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results. It can be grown in containers or garden beds.
Maintenance Needs: Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Provide some shade during hot periods to prevent bolting.
Harvest outer leaves frequently to encourage continued growth. Replant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
Crop Protection Methods
Winter gardening doesn’t mean giving up when temperatures drop. Several effective techniques can help you continue growing crops during colder months:
Cold Frames
These simple wooden or plastic boxes with transparent tops create a mini-greenhouse effect.
Place them over your garden beds to trap heat and protect plants from frost.
They work perfectly for small vegetables and herbs, raising the temperature inside by 10-20 degrees.
Row Covers
Lightweight fabric covers provide a protective layer over your crops.
These breathable materials shield plants from cold winds and light frosts while allowing sunlight and water to pass through.
They’re easy to install and remove, making them a flexible solution for winter gardening.
Mulching
A thick layer of organic mulch (like straw, leaves, or wood chips) helps insulate soil and protect plant roots.
Spread 2-4 inches of mulch around your plants to maintain soil temperature and prevent freeze-thaw cycles that can damage roots.
Tips for Protecting Plants During Freezes
When temperatures threaten to drop significantly, take these protective steps:
- Watch Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about upcoming cold snaps. Prepare your garden when frost warnings are issued.
- Water Before Freezing: Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Water your plants thoroughly before an expected freeze, but avoid waterlogging.
- Cover Sensitive Plants: Use frost cloths, blankets, or even cardboard boxes to cover plants during extreme cold. Remove covers during daytime to allow sunlight and air circulation.
- Move Potted Plants: If possible, move container plants to sheltered areas like garages, porches, or near building walls that retain heat.
- Create Windbreaks: Use temporary barriers like stakes and burlap to protect plants from cold winds that can increase frost damage.
Conclusion
Winter gardening modifies cold months from a gardening pause to an exciting opportunity.
With the right crops and protection methods, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious vegetables even when temperatures drop.
Simple techniques like cold frames, row covers, and strategic mulching make year-round growing possible for gardeners of all skill levels.
Start small by choosing cold-tolerant crops like radishes, peas, and herbs.
Embrace the challenge of winter gardening as a chance to learn, grow, and connect with nature.
Your garden can thrive beyond traditional growing seasons, providing fresh produce, exercise, and the satisfaction of growing your own food.
