all that color MUST be healthy
Just like us, there are many veggies that can’t tolerate the cold at all.
Some don’t mind a little chilliness.
Then there are others that are downright snow bunnies.
Here’s the Who’s-Who:
1. Kale is the granddaddy here, surviving even after being covered in snow, only needing help in the coldest regions.
2. Carrots can be dug until the ground freezes, with a little mulch you can extend that date.
3. Parsnips can actually be ‘wintered over’ by covering with mulch. I’m trying this for the first time this year, I’ll let you know.
4. Celery can handle the frost? When I first heard this, I didn’t think it was true. I saw my celery get hit with frost the other day, and it looked like it was done for. Sure enough it perked right back up. My FB friends know – Sue E had her celery survive the winter in NH, Eddie F. had it in a polytunnel all winter on the Wales/England border. Plus her’s reseeded itself, now I’ll have to try that.
5. Horseradish and brussel sprouts (never eat these two together) actually taste better after a light frost or two.
6. Surprising to me is how well spinach and salad greens handle the frost. They seem so light, never thought they could stand up to it.
7. In the same family as brussel sprouts; broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can handle some light frosts.
8. Garlic over winters and produces the following summer.
9. Swiss Chard can take it, too.
10. Snow Peas, as the name suggests, can handle the cold. I plant mine in the spring, though, not the fall. I am trying regular peas in the fall garden this year.
11. I understand there are some onions that can be wintered over and picked the following spring, never tried it yet. Green onions can handle the cold.
12. Leeks are not weak, a great substitute for a fresh onion.
13. Collard greens- a new veggie for me to grow. I’m looking forward to trying these vitamin packed beauties.
14. Rutabagas, beets, radishes and turnips are typically found in the fall/winter garden.
Check for your fall frost dates and plant your veggies so they have a good grip before they have to face the cold. Then harvest as needed.
As I write this I am enjoying a soup made from many of the veggies in the pic above.
Mmmm, and good for what ails ya’.
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