Hardy Greens to Grow Outdoors in Winter

Although most plants go dormant through the winter months, this by no means is the end of gardening season. There are a handful of hardy leafy greens that you can be growing outdoors during winter to keep you eating your own fresh ingredients through the colder months.

Jump to a topic:

Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach)

Komatsuna, also known as Japanese mustard spinach, is a versatile green that thrives in cool weather. This hardy plant is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins A, C, and calcium. Komatsuna has a mild mustard flavour with a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for stir-fries, salads, and soups.

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Komatsuna can withstand frost and temperatures as low as -9°C.
• Sowing: You can sow seeds directly into the ground in late summer or early autumn.
• Care: Provide some mulch to protect the roots during extreme cold snaps.

Pak Choi

Pak choi, or bok choy, is another winter champion. This Asian green is popular in stir-fries and soups due to its crunchy stems and tender leaves. It grows well in cooler weather and matures quickly, often ready for harvest in just 30-45 days.

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Pak choi can survive light frost and temperatures as low as -2°C.
• Sowing: Start seeds in early autumn, and transplant seedlings outdoors once temperatures begin to cool.
• Care: Water consistently, and cover with row cloths if severe frost is expected.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens bring a spicy, peppery flavour to the winter garden. Available in various colours and textures, from smooth to frilly leaves, mustard greens are a nutrient-dense addition to salads, sautés, and soups. They are rich in vitamins K, C, and A, as well as antioxidants.

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Mustard greens can tolerate frost and even light snow, withstanding temperatures as low as -4°C.
• Sowing: Directly sow seeds in early autumn, and you’ll have harvest-ready greens in about 6-8 weeks.
• Care: Mulch around the plants to insulate the roots and conserve moisture.

Lettuce

Lettuce might not seem like a winter crop, but many varieties are cold-hardy enough to grow through winter, especially when protected by row covers or a cold frame. 

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Cold-hardy lettuces can survive down to -2°C with protection.
• Sowing: Start seeds in late summer or early fall for a continuous harvest.
• Care: Regularly water lettuce, but avoid waterlogged soil. Harvest outer leaves, and leave the core intact for ongoing production.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is not only beautiful, with its vibrant red, yellow, and orange stems, but also incredibly resilient in cold weather. Chard grows well through autumn and can even survive light frosts, producing nutritious leaves packed with vitamins A, C, and K.

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Chard can handle temperatures as low as -6°C and often comes back stronger after a light frost.
• Sowing: Sow seeds in late summer, and they’ll be ready to harvest in 4-6 weeks.
• Care: Mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate it from cold snaps.

Chicory

Chicory is a cold-tolerant green that offers a slightly bitter taste. This makes it perfect for hearty winter salads. It’s rich in vitamins K, C, and folate, adding a nutritional boost to your winter meals. Chicory thrives in cool weather, and its flavour becomes sweeter after exposure to frost.

Growing Tips:

• Cold Tolerance: Chicory can handle temperatures down to about -4°C.
• Sowing: Plant chicory seeds in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest.
• Care: Chicory prefers well-drained soil. Regularly water and thin seedlings to ensure strong growth.

Tips For Winter Gardening

Winter gardening requires a few additional strategies to help your plants thrive in colder temperatures:

• Use Row Covers: Lightweight row covers can protect plants from frost and extend your growing season by creating a microclimate that’s a few degrees warmer.
• Mulching: A thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants helps insulate the roots and retain soil moisture.
• Cold Frames or Cloches: For extra protection in harsher climates, consider using cold frames or cloches to shield your crops from snow and freezing winds.
• Watering: Be mindful not to overwater during winter, as cooler temperatures mean water evaporates more slowly. Too much moisture can lead to root rot.

Growing leafy greens outdoors in winter might seem challenging, but with the right hardy varieties and a few simple protections, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long. These cold-hardy crops will fill your plate with nutrition when most gardens are dormant.