Container, back yard, windowsill – no matter how or where you grow, with a little planning you can enjoy a variety of greens well into the winter months. In fact, early frosts often produce unexpected sweetness in those savory greens you have been munching on all summer.
» What to Plant
Kale, spinach, cress, radicchio, endives and Asian greens (tatsoi, pac choi, etc.) are reliable cold weather greens that can be planted, harvested and replanted in relatively short periods. Cool-season Brassica crops, such as collards, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and mustard have a built-in cold-weather defense that protects them from freezing. When night temperatures drop into the 20s, these plants convert starches into sugars, protecting their foliage and serving up a sweet fusion of summer and fall flavors.
Greens sown indoors can vary from sprouts to microgreens to trays of fully-grown lettuces. Unlike outdoor counterparts, they can include more delicate plants, like green and red leaf lettuces, arugula and herbs. Choose a salad seed mix and your dinner plate will be colorful and interesting until spring.
» Timeframe/Location
If you have grow lights or a south-facing window in a warm house, you don’t really have to pay attention to timetables and the weather forecast. Tend to your greens every day and you’ll reap leafy stuffs through rain, snow and frost.
If planting outside, you will need to plan and schedule your seeding. Sow late in the summer or early in the fall and prepare to cover your beds once the truly cold weather arrives. The darkest time of year, when the span between sunrise and sunset is less than 10 hours, is often referred to as the “Persephone period.” Research your location and plan to have your plants 75 percent mature by the beginning of the Persephone period.
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» How to Plant
One of the keys to winter planting is to plant incrementally seven to 10 days apart, which results in an almost continual harvest. When growing indoors, especially in an area with overcast winters, it is best to grow with lights. Repurpose plastic and foam containers as planting containers, and place them with hanging lights in an attic, basement or large closet – any space where you can sustain an average temperature of 50°F.
Use soilless potting soil or seed starting mix, and moisten it well with a spray bottle. Sprinkle your seeds on top of the filled trays and cover with a light layer of soil. Keep damp until the seeds have sprouted, then water as you would your garden greens. Fluorescent lights work well, but there are a wealth of grow lights available online.
» Harvest & Cooking
Winter greens can be harvested at whatever stage you desire – sprout, microgreen, baby or mature. All have their own tantalizing flavors and textures.
We typically crave fresh, crisp salads more during the spring and summer than the winter months, when our bodies are working to insulate us from cold winds and drying conditions. Add kale or radicchio to a warming stew or complement a hearty dinner with a sumptuous side of grilled balsamic romaine hearts. Recipes available on our blog. N
By S. Michal Bennett
As Featured In: Winter/Spring 2018 SPO Edition