Winter gardening

Tomatoes, peppers, and flowers thrive in Indiana's changing climate clear into November these days. In the wake of climate change, Indiana's landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. When I embarked on my gardening journey, the northern reaches of Indiana were firmly situated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's hardiness zone 5a. However, in recent years, …

Winter may conjure images of barren landscapes, but it's also a time when nature surprises us with the delicate beauty of winter flowering plants. These resilient blooms defy the cold, offering a touch of vibrancy and hope during the frosty months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the enchanting world of winter gardening, where …

I invite you to step into my Indiana garden on November 2nd as we explore the resilience of winter vegetables in my hoop house., to a closer look at my Indiana winter vegetable garden, where every day brings new discoveries and challenges. As we stroll through my hoop house on this brisk November 2nd, we'll …

Growing a variety of cool season vegeatbles is the easiest way to have fresh food in your own backyard from fall through spring. Today I want to talk to you about the types of vegetables that do good in the fall garden. Almost any vegetable that you plant in early spring, such as lettuce or …

When winter's chill descends upon your garden, it might seem like your green thumb has to take a long hiatus. But wait, there's good news for gardening enthusiasts – the cold season doesn't have to mark the end of your horticultural endeavors, especially once you understand vegetable garden frost protection methods. With the right techniques …

Before planting the vegetable garden, it is a good idea to make a plan on paper then prepare cold frames or tunnel houses to protect the crops from unexpected frost in spring. Planning a vegetable garden on paper is something many gardeners do, but they often forget about planning an early spring vegetable garden. Planning the …

There are a number of vegetables to plant in January and by planting early you get a  head start on growing early spring vegetables. Planting cool weather crops in January means you will need cold frames and row covers if you live in a cold climate unless you plan to start seeds indoors. Here in Indiana …

Yes, you really can use frost to your advantage in the garden. While often times gardeners don't worry about frost until fall rolls around, it is an issue in early spring as well. Once you learn the basics of using frost to your advantage, you can get a head start on your spring garden and …

Tunnel house, greenhouse and cold frame garden structures are all great choices growing plants in the winter, but what, exactly is the difference between the three of them? Technically they do the exact same job which is protect plants from the cold weather outside during the winter months. However each one has a slightly different …

There are many tropical looking plants that will thrive in U.S. Department of Agricultural hardiness zones 6 through 8. Plants will adapt to the climate they are grown in. By using minimal winter protection, such as a cold frame, it is possible to raise the temperature around the plant and get it to survive the …

I remember getting my first large greenhouse years ago when I was a new gardener and wondering how to utilize an unheated greenhouse. At the time I didn't think much about heat. It was a Valentine's Day present and I was anxious to get it put up so I could start using it. Once it …

Gardening in winter in a cold climate outdoors is possible if you are willing to grow cool weather crops and protect those crops with frost cover, cold frames or a similar structure. It is a cold, snowy 16 degrees F here today however it is January 1 and I am harvesting and planting vegetables in …

It's the start of another year - and what better way to start off a new year than to direct sow carrot seed in the garden. Yes, you heard that right. Here in Indiana - United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 6 - I sow carrot seed in the garden on January 1. Now …

Yes, you can harvest free vegetables year-round in any climate! Getting a head start on the vegetable garden can be tricky if you wait until January because of frozen ground. It seems this time of year if the ground is not frozen it is wet. Neither condition is conducive to tilling, seeding or planting. There …

There are a number of vegetables to plant in February outdoors in the garden, even in cold climates. February means the garden season is one month closer. It also means it is time to tap maple trees. Mid-West gardeners know that by the end of February they are just 12 short weeks away from the …

Winter sown vegetables not only let you get a head start on the spring garden, but they also are tender and taste sweeter than vegetables grown during the typical garden season. This is because cooler weather tends to bring out the sweetness in many vegetables such as carrots. Lettuce grown during the cool months melts …

Knowing when to plant in spring is half the battle of successful gardening. Gardeners who plant too early end up with dead or damaged crops while gardeners who plant too late wait longer to get harvests. The general rule of thumb is to plant after the last frost in your area. Timing is important and …

Learn how to garden in winter both indoors and outdoors, even if you live in a cold climate. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables. In fact, some vegetables taste better when grown during the winter. Growing a garden during the winter months is the best way to make sure that you have a …

January is a good time to get started implementing your vegetable garden ideas.    Here are tips to help you get a head start on your early season vegetable garden. Start planting cool season crops in the garden covering them with a cold frame or frost cover. Start Planning Your Vegetable Garden Get your seed starting supplies …