More Thoughts on Winter Gardening

From left: Flowering Brassica, Hakurei Turnips, Salad Greens

What to grow and harvest during the long winter months - I came across a great article in the New York Times the other morning on this very subject. I have a stockpile of hardy Asian Greens in my seed box waiting to be planted out this fall. Hopefully they will fair better than the ones currently growing in my garden, which tend to resemble Swiss cheese these days. (One added benefit of winter - fewer pests!) I've already sown my winter carrots and the special package I ordered from Johnny's Selected Seeds just arrived in the mail today (more on that later).

Winter carrots

I'd mentioned in a previous post that I have a fascination with growing and harvesting food during the winter months. If someone were to ask me why, I don't know if I'd be able to give a definitive answer, especially since in my opinion there are many compelling reasons for doing so. For starters, I appreciate the fact that this practice has had a long and rich history particularly in Europe, and the stubborn Luddite inside of me wishes to preserve this dying tradition. Also, I think this idea lends greater credence and meaning to a piece of advice being widely dispensed these days by foodies, gardeners and even physicians -"eat according to the seasons" - a concept that is generally more acceptable in parts of the world where winters are mild or where access to the global food trade is still limited. In my case, this particular piece of advice also begs the question - are seasonal eaters living in cooler climates (New England, for example) limited for 6 months out of the year to what's stored in a root cellar, processed in a jar, or bagged in a freezer? Or is it possible to add some variety during these lean months by starting a winter garden, while at same time lessening our dependence on produce shipped from California and South America?

Having never grown a successful winter garden myself, I'm approaching this endeavor admittedly with a bit of trepidation. I can't help but wonder- if winter gardening is possible in this part of the world, then why aren't more people doing it? This I can't be sure of. But what I am certain of is that it indeed is worth an earnest effort.

Back to my package - earlier this week, I placed an order with Johnny's for the seeds I intend on growing in the coming months, crops that are particularly known for their hardiness. Those who have read Eliot Coleman's books will find some items on this list rather familiar:

Spinach - Smooth Leaf Space (F1)
Wild Arugula - Sylvetta
Green Oakleaf Lettuce - Tango
Minutina (Erba Stella)
Mache (Corn Salad) - Vit

As you've probably noticed, this list is limited mainly to the traditional salad crops. In addition to what's here, we hope to be eating some Napoli carrots, Hakurei turnips and assorted varieties of Asian greens. A year from now, and if all goes according to plan, I hope to add on to this list some kale, leeks, chard and other salad greens such as claytonia and bulls blood beet.

Finally, I'd like to give a BIG thanks to Kelly from How My Garden Grows for filling me in on a special offer that was advertised in Johnny's newsletter this month. I also happily received today free packs of Johnny's all lettuce mix (1200 seeds) and Easter egg radishes! YES! I love free stuff! THANKS KELLY!