Any vegetable garden slows down as winter approaches and being proactive when it comes to preparing it for the cold weather will reap dividends come spring. There are still crops to harvest over the winter, but an increased focus can go into preparing beds for next year. While you are busy in the summer with sowing, planting, feeding, weeding, and harvesting, the fall and winter can be more relaxed.
It does not mean there are not important tasks to do and I spent many days clearing beds, mulching, harvesting, and more throughout winter when working as a kitchen gardener. The time that goes into winterizing a vegetable garden is very beneficial. Preparing beds and nourishing the soil health means less to do come spring and next year’s crops benefit from less weeds, nutrient-rich soil, and no diseases hanging around from last year.
I worked in kitchen gardens 12 months a year for many growing seasons and was kept busy, so here is some tips for how to winterize a vegetable garden. Along with my own experiences, I also hear from some expert vegetable growers to put together a list of the five most recommended jobs to do ahead of winter. 1.
Harvest vegetables The vegetables you may overwinter will depend on your US hardiness zone. Hardy vegetables like many brassicas, spinach , and garlic , can tolerate very low temperatures, but there is a wide selection of semi-hardy crops. These can overwinter happily in US hardiness 7 and up but may need harvesting before winter in US hardin.
