Strategies for Cultivating Salad Crops during Cold Weather Seasons
Growing some delicious and nutritious salads during winter isn't out of the question! With a little protection and the right plants, you can enjoy fresh greens even in chilly weather. The key is to get your crops in the ground by early autumn.
Seedlings or plug plants will establish quickly when planted out at this time, as the soil is still warm. You can even try sowing seeds directly if you prefer. Opt for hearty varieties of your favorite salad leaves, or experiment with winter purslane and salad burnet. One reliable winter leaf crop is corn salad, or lamb's lettuce, Valerianella locusta.
To give your plants the best chance, grow them in a sheltered, sunny spot to protect them from cold winter winds. Ensure the soil is well-draining, as plants can freeze if left standing in pools of icy water.
What You'll Need
- Plug plants, or grow your own from seeds using corn salad, land cress, lettuce, wild rocket, or mustard.
- A hand fork or trowel for planting.
- Watering can for keeping your plants hydrated.
- Cloche for extra protection during cold weather.
Planting Instructions
Step 1
Plant out your seedlings to encourage growth before winter sets in. Space them at 10cm intervals in rows 20cm apart, and water well. If you don't have seedlings to plant out, you can usually find plug plants at garden centers or online retailers.
Step 2
For best results, cover your plants with a sturdy cloche. The warm temperature inside will encourage strong plant growth in autumn and protect them from the worst of winter's weather.
Sowing Seeds
You can also sow seeds in pots or window boxes for a continuous supply. Sow every week or so from August to mid-autumn. Keep the pot near the back door for easy access to harvest leaves whenever you need them.
Hardy winter salad crops include specific varieties of lettuce, spinach, mustard leaf, mizuna, lamb's lettuce, and purslane (lamb's quarter), which can withstand cold conditions for harvesting in autumn and winter. Plant them in early autumn or late summer to allow for establishment before severe winter weather. Choose sheltered spots with adequate sunlight exposure, as salad greens can tolerate some shade but still need light for growth. Pots can also be used for space efficiency and protection. Cover crops with fleece, a low cloche, or a row cover as soon as temperatures drop to avoid frost damage and prolong growth through winter. For spinach, delay sowing if it's still hot to ensure even germination, but don't sow too late to miss establishment before winter.
Utilize a cloche to provide extra protection for your home-and-garden during the cold weather, particularly when growing winter-hardy salad crops like corn salad, spinach, mustard leaf, mizuna, lamb's lettuce, and purslane. To achieve a continuous supply of fresh greens, incorporate sowing seeds in pots or window boxes from August to mid-autumn, spacing them at appropriate intervals for a home-gardening lifestyle.
