Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean your garden has to go dormant. Winter is the perfect time to grow a wide range of hearty vegetables and herbs that thrive in cooler weather. With the right seeds and a little planning, your winter garden can be just as vibrant and productive as in any other season.
At Starke Ayres, we offer a wide selection of high-quality seeds suited to winter planting, helping gardeners—both beginner and experienced—keep their green thumbs busy all year long.
Best Vegetables for Winter
Winter gardening isn't just possible—it's rewarding. Here's what to plant for a thriving cold-weather crop.
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1. Cabbage
Cabbage is a winter favourite and for good reason. It’s frost-tolerant and thrives in cooler temperatures. Whether you choose green, red, or savoy varieties, cabbage is easy to grow and yields generously when given rich, well-drained soil and full sun. It’s perfect for soups, stews, and slaws during the colder months.
2. Spinach
Fast-growing and full of nutrients, spinach is a must for any winter garden. It grows best in the cool weather of autumn and early winter, and with proper care, it can be harvested multiple times. Use it fresh in salads or cooked in hearty winter dishes. Try varieties like Fordhook Giant for excellent yields and flavour.
3. Onions
Onions are hardy and low-maintenance, making them a great winter planting option. Whether you're planting from seeds or sets, onions require a bit of patience but offer big rewards. They can be left in the ground over the colder months and harvested in late winter to early spring. Red, white, and brown varieties each offer distinct flavours for your kitchen.
4. Carrots
Carrots love cold soil. In fact, the chill can help develop their sweetness. Sow your carrot seeds directly into loose, sandy soil and keep them evenly moist. Within a few weeks, you’ll have strong seedlings growing, and by mid to late winter, you’ll be harvesting crisp, delicious roots.
5. Lettuce
Many lettuce varieties, particularly the loose-leaf types, grow well in winter. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested continuously as leaves mature. Consider growing varieties such as Green Cos or Great Lakes for fresh, crunchy salads throughout winter.
Make Winter Work for You with Starke Ayres
A winter garden doesn’t have to be barren or boring. With the right crops and quality seeds from Starke Ayres, you can keep your garden productive through the colder months. Choose cold-tolerant varieties, prepare your soil, and plant with care—and you’ll be harvesting fresh produce even when the rest of the neighbourhood is hibernating.
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