Lesson 5
Winter growing — the quietly productive season
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Winter is the most underused season for home growers. The cool months are perfect for hardy crops that taste BETTER after frost: kale, leeks, winter lettuce, mâche, mizuna, hardy spring onions, garlic.
Bulbs planted in autumn give you the most morale-boosting spring imaginable — tulips, narcissus, alliums, crocus, hyacinths. None of them need any winter care after planting.
A winter-grower's wishlist
- Hardy leaves: lamb's lettuce / mâche, mizuna, mustards, winter lettuce (Winter Density, Rouge d'Hiver).
- Roots & stems: leeks (planted summer), salsify, hardy spring onions, parsnip (sown spring).
- Garlic: plant cloves October–November, harvest June–July.
- Spring bulbs: plant Sep–Nov for Feb–May colour. Tulips last (Nov–Dec).
- Indoor: microgreens trays on a windowsill keep going year-round.
Most winter crops want LESS water than summer ones — heated rooms cause overwatering. Wait until the surface compost is dry to the touch before watering.