In general, winter is thought to be unsuitable for plant growing for crops. But in fact, there are a great many influential crops and vegetables that can be harvested during the few frosty winter days according to Benedict T Palen Jr. The simplicity with which people consider growing crops in winter should make farmers, gardeners, and small-scale growers embrace this exercise since it creates further income outlets through the sale of winter produce.
Cold Hardy Vegetables
Some vegetable crops are hardy to cold and
other unfavourable conditions such as frost. As long as they are protected from
hard freezes, these vegetables will continue growing through winter, according
to Benedict T Palen Jr:
- Spinach – this is one
of the versatile plants that thrive in cold climates. Select types that do
not bolt when planted during the winter season. Ideally, spinach can be
grown in the greenhouse or high tunnels.
- Kale – Most people know
that kale likes chilly weather. Both Redbor and Lacinato kale, for
instance, can be grown in winter periods.
- Carrots – Carrot seeds
can be planted in early autumn or early spring to provide mature carrots
right through the winter. Place straws or cover the rows with row-cover
fabrics.
- Radishes – Radishes are
fast cycling. P = Successive generations may be sown in winter to harvest
the crisp roots of the radish.
- Lettuces – Many
lettuces, with the exception of some delicate types of salad bowl lettuces
and some Romaine lettuces, can withstand a light frosting. Some crops
require the application of row covers when there are strongly negative
influences in the form of hard freezes.
Winter Greenhouse Crops
Planting a crop in an open or cold frame
ensures that it is harvested in winter when grown in a high tunnel greenhouse.
You can explore or research about the crops according to your area. Some
profitable greenhouse crops for winter include:
·
Herbs – Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and dills take a longer
time to mature, and in winter greenhouse, they continue to be produced
throughout the year and give income during those low seasons.
·
Salad Greens – Simple blends of lettuces and maturing mustards and a mix
of arugula, spinach, and Asian greens will all form good crops if protected
from frosts of winter conditions.
·
Strawberries – Day-neutral strawberries form sweet berries even in short
winter days that are suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
Selling Winter Crops
While purchasing during the winter, many
produce items are relatively costly due to the high demand for food when
production is low during that specific season. Marketing opportunities in
farmer stores, CSA in restaurants, and local stores are the possible sources of
income from the crops grown during winter.
Conclusion
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