To prepare for the cooler weather, it’s always a great idea to start thinking about what the plants in your garden will need to be protected against cold nights and hard freezes. This will also have you set up for easier planting and more bountiful harvests the following year if you’re keeping an edible garden.

We’ve talked before about the importance of mulch, but just in case you didn’t remember… mulch! Mulch will protect the roots of your plants from the cold, allow moisture to the roots without freezing the water, and will promote life and a healthier rhizosphere (the narrow region of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms).

There are many plants that are cold-hardy, allowing a fun winter garden and a chance to experiment with learning about plants in a different environment! You can grow (get ready for a long list!) witch hazel (Hamamelis, medicinal and flowering), beans (bush, pole, fava, or broad beans), beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, chinese cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chicory, cornsalad, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsley, peas, radishes, rutabaga, shallots & chives, spinach, swiss chard, turnips, and cover crops to keep your inedible garden areas activated.

Read more about witch hazel here, and the variety of thriving winter crops here!

Winter gardens have been receiving more attention through tech culture through Stardew Valley, an indie farming and resource-management video game that involves garden design and growing plants both real and imaginary.

How fun!

We love planting edible gardens and playing with seasonal plant design – reach out if you’re interested in planting your very own winter garden!

Image courtesy of ploubere.com