We are so lucky to have our California climate! It rarely freezes and we do not get snow. Because of this we can grow a fabulous winter vegetable garden. You will not need a greenhouse, hoop house, or a hot bed.
The same tips for summer gardening apply to winter gardening: sun, soil, fertilizer, insects, and weeds. You will need to check the sun, not that it is still shining but where the sunny spots are in your garden. Yes, it is different from summer.
Why are we talking about winter vegetable gardening in the middle of August? It’s because it’s time to plant!
Late August and early September is the best time to plant your winter vegetable garden.
The plants need the warm days and warm soil to grow before the cool weather sets in. Some vegetables are easier to grow from transplants such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Others, such as beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, radish, and spinach, are easy to grow by seed.
If you are planting in the ground, work up the area and add compost. Compost helps loosen our heavy soil. Then plant according to the plant label or seed packet. Irrigation is needed until the winter rains start. If we have a dry winter, you may need to irrigate more often.
Watch for insects, especially aphids, before the weather cools. Apply Bt to the underside of the leaves when you first see the insects. Hoe or pull weeds when they are small.
Winter vegetable gardening is so easy, give it a try! Attend our Open Garden and Winter Vegetable Garden Workshop at 10 am, Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Donna Critchfield Demonstration Garden, Education Village, Williams.
Source: University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources.
