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There are a number of great veggies that you can grow throughout the winter months. Cold hardy greens like escarole are a good pick for the winter garden. Carrots and other root crops also work well. Make sure to talk to your local extension agent for a list of vegetables that will work in your winter garden.
What is feasible to grow can vary widely on where you live. For example, wet and cooler states like Washington may be challenging places to grow vegetables as the wet conditions tend to attract pests and diseases to your plants. Residents of north central states like the Dakotas may be limited to growing vegetables in temperature controlled greenhouses because of the extreme cold.
If you do get a lot of rain in the winter, raised beds are a perfect way to control the soil moisture level. Soils dry out quicker in raised beds and containers. Additionally, diseases and pests are easier to treat. You can always cover your raised beds during the coldest days of the year to protect your plants.
Recommended Fall and Winter Vegetables *When to Plant (Ask Your Extension Agent for Specific Dates) Frost Hardy?
Arugula
Late Summer
Yes, light frost
Beets
Mid Summer
Yes, light frost
Broccoli
Mid Summer
Yes, very light frost
Brussels Sprouts
Mid Summer
Yes, heavy frost
Carrots
Mid to late summer, early fall
Yes, light frost
Corn
Late summer, early fall
Yes, light frost
Escarole
Late summer
Yes, light frost
Fava Beans
Late summer, early fall
Yes, medium to heavy frost
Garlic
Early fall
Yes, light to medium frost
Kale
Mid summer
Yes, medium to heavy frost
Leeks
Spring, Fall
Yes, light frost
Lettuce
Late summer
Yes, very light frost
Mustard greens
Mid to late summer
Yes, light frost
Onions
Late summer
Yes, light to medium frost
Radishes
Late summer
Yes, light to medium frost
Spinach
Later summer
Yes, light frost
Southern fall and winter gardens can include a variety of beans, tomatoes and peppers until the first hard freeze. Check with your county extension office for most hearty fall varieties.