Winter gardening

I remember getting my first large greenhouse years ago when I was a new gardener and wondering how to utilize an unheated greenhouse. At the time I didn’t think much about heat. It was a Valentine’s Day present and I was anxious to get it put up so I could start using it. Once it …

Gardening in winter in a cold climate outdoors is possible if you are willing to grow cool weather crops and protect those crops with frost cover, cold frames or a similar structure. It is a cold, snowy 16 degrees F here today however it is January 1 and I am harvesting and planting vegetables in …

It’s the start of another year – and what better way to start off a new year than to direct sow carrot seed in the garden. Yes, you heard that right. Here in Indiana – United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 6 – I sow carrot seed in the garden on January 1. Now …

Yes, you can harvest free vegetables year-round in any climate! Getting a head start on the vegetable garden can be tricky if you wait until January because of frozen ground. It seems this time of year if the ground is not frozen it is wet. Neither condition is conducive to tilling, seeding or planting. There …

There are a number of vegetables to plant in February outdoors in the garden, even in cold climates. February means the garden season is one month closer. It also means it is time to tap maple trees. Mid-West gardeners know that by the end of February they are just 12 short weeks away from the …

Winter sown vegetables not only let you get a head start on the spring garden, but they also are tender and taste sweeter than vegetables grown during the typical garden season. This is because cooler weather tends to bring out the sweetness in many vegetables such as carrots. Lettuce grown during the cool months melts …

Knowing when to plant in spring is half the battle of successful gardening. Gardeners who plant too early end up with dead or damaged crops while gardeners who plant too late wait longer to get harvests. The general rule of thumb is to plant after the last frost in your area. Timing is important and …

Learn how to garden in winter both indoors and outdoors, even if you live in a cold climate. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t grow vegetables. In fact, some vegetables taste better when grown during the winter. Growing a garden during the winter months is the best way to make sure that you have a …

January is a good time to get started implementing your vegetable garden ideas.    Here are tips to help you get a head start on your early season vegetable garden. Start planting cool season crops in the garden covering them with a cold frame or frost cover. Start Planning Your Vegetable Garden Get your seed starting supplies …