What to plant in winter?

As the Southern Hemisphere prepares for winter, which begins on June 21, an exciting opportunity presents itself for gardening enthusiasts: the ability to grow a wide variety of foods right at home, even during this cold season.

Freezing weather is no longer an obstacle for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a home garden, as there are suitable options that thrive even in colder temperatures.

Get ready to embark on this journey and reap fresh food and nutritious directly from your own garden, even on the coldest and most welcoming days of winter.

Enjoy the Winter

Although many people think that winter is a period of pause for cultivation, the truth is that there are several vegetable options, vegetables and spices that adapt perfectly to the freezing climate.

With the right knowledge, it is possible to discover which plants are ideal to grow at home during the winter.

Enjoy the pleasure of harvesting fresh, healthy food straight from your own garden, even on the coldest, coziest winter days.

Vegetables

Among the vegetables recommended for cultivation in winter, the following stand out: lettuce, cabbage and cabbage.

Lettuce can be harvested in 30 to 45 days, while kale can be used in approximately 40 days, continuing to sprout for two to three months.

Cabbage flowers in four months and is harvested in spring.

Vegetables

During the winter, there are plenty of growing options, including not only vegetables, but also legumes such as carrots and chayote.

However, it is important to note that they may not be harvested in the same season.

Chayote takes two to three months to grow, while carrots require more care and a growing time of 110 to 115 days.

To plant carrots, it is necessary to prepare soil at least 20 cm high and 1 to 2 cm deep.

Covering with straw or burlap remains until germination is recommended, as is watering three times a day during the germination period.

Spices

As for seasonings, there are several options that are resistant to low temperatures.

Coriander, parsley, chives, sage, cumin and bay leaves are examples of spices that adapt well to cold weather.

In approximately 18 to 25 days it is possible to make cuts in the first three, and they regrow every 15 days, avoiding the need to pull them out.

Home garden in winter

For those who want to establish a home garden during the winter, some guidelines are essential.

It is essential to ensure that plants receive at least four hours of sunlight daily.

Watering should be carried out two to three times a day on the seeds, avoiding excess water which can harm the development of the plants.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the amount of rain when the plants are exposed.

Adequate space for cultivation, whether in pots, flower boxes or small flowerbeds, and fertile soil with periodic fertilization are crucial elements for successful winter cultivation.

Other crops that adapt well to winter include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips, Swiss chard, parsley, arugula, carrots, onions, turnips, and squash.

These vegetables are hardy and can withstand winter with some protection.

It is recommended to sow these hardy crops in late spring or early summer, as they need a few months to mature.

This way, you can harvest them during the winter months.

Leafy crops such as chard, chicory, watercress and parsley can be sown in early summer to ensure autumn harvests that can extend into winter, provided they are protected with fleece or mulch.

In addition to taking care with irrigation, light and soil quality, it is important to emphasize that choosing a suitable location, such as pots, flower boxes or small flower beds, and using quality soil, purchased in specialized stores, are essential factors for successful cultivation.

Avoid using land from previous crops.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the subject, Embrapa offers online courses on small-space vegetable gardening, which provide detailed guidance on growing different types of plants at home.

In short, winter is not an obstacle to growing food at home.

It is possible to grow vegetables such as lettuce, kale and cabbage, legumes such as carrots and chayote, as well as spices such as coriander, parsley, chives, sage, cumin and bay leaves.

With proper care with irrigation, light and soil, it is perfectly feasible to enjoy a home garden throughout the cold season, ensuring fresh and healthy food.

Take advantage of winter to explore new cultivation possibilities and enjoy the unique flavor of food grown by yourself.

FAQ

1. What can I grow indoors during the winter?

During the winter, you can grow vegetables such as lettuce, kale, cabbage, and legumes such as carrots and chayote. In addition, spices such as cilantro, parsley, chives, sage, cumin, and bay leaves are also great options that adapt well to cold weather.

2. How can I ensure the success of my home garden in winter?

To ensure successful winter cultivation, it is essential that the plants receive at least four hours of sunlight daily. Seeds should be watered two to three times a day, taking care not to overdo the amount of water. Make sure the soil is fertile and fertilize regularly.

3. How to prepare the soil for winter planting?

For winter planting, use quality soil purchased from specialty stores, avoiding soil from previous crops. For carrots, prepare soil that is at least 20 cm high and 1 to 2 cm deep. Cover the seeds with straw or burlap until they germinate and water three times a day during this period.