Winter Vegetable Gardening

Bill’s advice: 

 

Snap Peas

The first day of winter is a few weeks away.  However, we are already in the thick of what I would consider the winter vegetable gardening season.  The summer plants are almost all gone and any seeds for winter plants should have been planted weeks ago (except for peas and fava beans).  But, it’s not too late!  You can clean up and leave it for next spring, or continue to get some production out of the garden.  The sun is low in the sky so for gardens shaded by trees, it is really difficult to grow much in the winter season.  For those with sun exposure it’s time for a trip to the nursery for seedlings of cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lettuce, chard, cabbage, kale, collards, and strawberries.  Onion sets can be planted for green onions but sets for the larger onions should be planted in February or later.  Now is the time to plant garlic and artichokes (even, if you have minimal sun).  If you already have artichokes, think about dividing your plants to get even more.  Peas can be planted now and while it’s not the best time, potatoes can also be started.  Summer season carrots and beets can be left in the ground and picked as needed.  However, they will go to seed, if left until spring.  So, if you’re not already a year around vegetable gardener, consider trying it.  Next year start your planting for winter in the late summer when you can start your own seedlings. 

Fava Beans

And Terry adds:

bird netting over peas

Snap peas are coming up happily both at home and in the Havens garden.  We’re experimenting with two varieties of bush snap peas this year – our tried and true Cascadia, and a newer variety called Sugar Bush.  We’ll let you know the pros and cons.  If you plant peas, don’t forget to cover with bird netting until they are a few inches tall.  Pea shoots are like bird candy and frenzied birds can rip out the whole crop in short order.  Once the peas are taller, the netting can go.  Birds will nibble on the leaves but not rip them out of the ground.  Fava beans also thrive at this time of year and add fresh accents to dishes throughout the winter.  Escarole is another favorite of mine in the winter garden.  It can be sautéed or braised like other greens, but really shines in soups where it adds a silken texture.