The winter weather is commonly frost and dry, the humidity level is low, and the frequency of rainfall is less. If you intend to start a veggie garden during this time, make a wise choice. Here are the best frost hardy vegetables to plant:
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in Vitamin A, C, and K, Fiber, Quercetin, and many cancer-fighting nutrients like Di-indolyl methane, Sulforaphane, and Myrosinase.
This vegetable helps strengthen skin immunity, prevent infection, rejuvenate the damaged skin, fight against skin cancer, and nurture long, shiny hair.
Best grown in: September to December
Planting method:
Broccoli grows well in temperature ranges of 59 to 65 degrees F. They love slightly acidic soil (between 6.0 and 7.0) that is moist, rich in humus, and well-drained.
The required amount of sunlight exposure every day is from 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
You can start growing them from seeds and harvest the main broccoli head when they stop growing, usually 70 to 80 days after planting. Each plant can be harvested 2 or 3 times.
Cabbage
You might be surprised to know that cabbages are extremely rich in vitamin C (per 100g of cabbage contains 32.6mg vitamin C). In addition, this vegetable provides fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and K.
Best grown in: September to November
Planting method:
Cabbage thrives well in soil rich in potassium and nitrogen, therefore, you should feed your garden soil before getting started.
There are two ways to grow cabbage: from seeds or from young plants.
Cabbage plants need plenty of space to spread their leaves. Water them when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch. They also need full sun – at least 6-8 hours/day.
After 80-90 days from planting, your cabbages are ready to be harvested. Use a knife to cut close to their stalk, and it should be early in the morning or evening.
French Beans
French beans are a good source of vitamin C – known as an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells and protects the body's DNA structure.
Besides, they provide protein, vitamin A and K, and minerals.
One cup of green beans daily helps strengthen your digestive system function, improve eyesight, support diabetes control, and decrease cholesterol volume in your blood.
Best grown in: August to December
Planting method:
French beans are easily grown on different soil types but their most favorite one is moist, light, humus-rich, and well-drained.
Before sowing seeds, you should remove weeds, aerate the soil, and feed it with agricultural lime and compost so that the plants will get enough nutrients for a long time. In terms of watering, make sure to provide them with ½” of water daily, especially during the blossom.
French beans are ready to be harvested after 40-50 days from planting. Each plant offers 4-5 crops.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, both roots, and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
They are rich in nutrients and minerals such as vitamin A, B, C, and K, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, and calcium. They also contain high content of fiber and antioxidant compounds.
This vegetable is easy to grow and care for. Anyone – whether beginners or pro gardeners - can start growing them.
Best grown in: September to November
Planting method:
Kohlrabi generally takes around 80-100 days from planting to be harvested. They require light, porous soil with good drainage. You can mix sandy soil and humus for higher-quality crops.
It’d be best to neutralize the soil with 100g of lime around 5-7 days before sowing seeds. Choose a sunny spot (at least 6 hours of sun every day) and water the plants once you find the topsoil is dry.
Take note that Kohlrabi plants should be grown far apart because of their huge leaves.
Watercress
Just like other veggies in this list, watercress is rich in nutrients and low in calories. They contain lots of minerals and antioxidants that help protect your bones as well as lower risks of cancer and heart diseases.
This cool-season, the water-loving vegetable is an interesting addition to any indoor herb garden. They are easy to grow and can be harvested around the year.
Best grown in: October to December
Planting method:
Watercress is commonly grown in containers or raised beds.
They don’t require much soil to grow but they must be well-drainage and nutrient-rich. They don’t need fertilizing during the first two crops, either. But from the third one, feed the soil with potassium and alkaline.
Watering the plants every morning is essential but don’t soak them.
After 3 weeks from sowing seeds, you can harvest watercress.
Conclusion
Choosing the right frost-hardy vegetables to plant not only helps them grow faster but also healthier to naturally prevent potential diseases and pests. Moreover, it takes less of your time and effort to maintain them.
Remember to buy seeds from reliable plant stores to ensure your crop quality. Thanks for reading!
