If you decided to invest in a greenhouse then you probably are a true gardener who can’t imagine going through colder months without gardening. It’s not possible to grow plants and vegetables outside during winter if you don’t live somewhere near the equator but that’s what a greenhouse is for – it allows you to make gardening a year-round adventure. First you need the right equipment – websites like Greenhouse Stores can help you with that. Then you will probably wonder what you can grow in there successfully. Here are some examples of vegetables that you can tend to during these colder months.
Onions and Shallots
You won’t be able to harvest them during winter because onions have a long growing season. You should definitely start planting when the winter is approaching, though, because only then you will have your vegetables ready in mid-spring or summer. Be careful while planting other plants after winter because your onions will still be in the ground – plan it attentively. First early type is the best to plant during cold months but if you prefer red coloured onion, you can go for Onion Electric. Also, for the last couple of years, Shallots have become more fashionable to grow among gardeners – if you want it, Echalote Grise would be a good choice because of its intense flavour. Then, when the winter comes, they basically take care of themselves.
Garlic
Just like onions, they have a long growing season and are extremely easy to tend to. There are many different types of garlic to choose from; the most basic is Wight Cristo which will go well with most dishes, if you like cooking with garlic. If you aim for fuller flavour, you should go with Chesnok Red which is a little bit more creamy and it tastes amazing when baked. It’s also possible to buy a mix of different types and plant them at the same time – it’s something for you if you’re a true garlic fan (or you have a vampire fighter as your alter ego).
Perpetual spinach
Planting perpetual spinach in your greenhouse may turn out to be one of the most efficient things you can do. If you plant it in autumn, you can harvest it throughout the whole winter, spring and (if you’re a tender gardener) summer. Make sure you cut the flowers regularly as they’re not supposed to be running to seed. Then you’ll be able to enjoy spinach tender leaves in your salads, pastas, sandwiches and many, many more.
Asparagus
When you have a greenhouse, it’s an absolute must-have. If you have more space, you can plant a permanent asparagus bed that will keep you supplied for even 25 years. It’s a great way to invest your time. The only downside is that you will be able to harvest it properly only after 2 years and it may take even longer for them to be established properly – but it’s all worth it. To plant it in autumn, choose the Mondeo type or, if you would like to have more colourful garden, choose Pacific Purple variety.
Carrots
There are many different types of carrots and they vary significantly so it’s vital to choose the one that is cold-resistant. Adelaide is a fast-maturing carrot variety and it can be planted as early as November in your greenhouse and harvested as soon as the thaw comes. That’s why it’s important to check on your plants from time to time – sometimes the ground thaws several times during winter if it’s a mild one and carrots may be ready earlier.
Kale
It depends on the type, but kale is in general a cold-hardy vegetable that sometimes can endure even temperatures below zero. Only when it’s really cold (more than 6 degrees below zero) you need to provide it with some heat or simply wait for the weather to get warmer (but it will move harvesting time for later). Because kale produces sugar when the conditions are harder, it tastes much sweeter during winter. To have kale all-year round, you may consider planting several crops at different times of the year.
There are different types of seeds to each plant so make sure you choose those that have shorter growing season and are cold-resistant. You should plant them in pots and leave them there to grow – winter is too stressful for your greens as it is and there’s no need to add transplanting to the list. Remember to provide them with enough light – if there’s little sun, consider buying grow lights. Don’t forget to water and good luck.