Even in the cold season, between December and February, garden owners do not remain idle. Those who have made provisions can still harvest fresh winter vegetables such as lamb's lettuce, spinach, winter purslane, kale and Brussels sprouts, winter savoy cabbage and poree as well as parsnips, black salsify and Jerusalem artichoke well into early spring - but only if the plants are not frozen. Apart from that, even a vegetable garden needs a minimum of care in winter, as well as planning and preparing for the new season.

If you plan correctly, you can also harvest in winter

Plan and prepare for the coming season

The winter months should be used to plan the cultivation of the vegetable beds. In addition, now is the right time to order the first seeds and plants from the garden mail order companies. You can also look around in the tree nurseries in January or February at the latest and get thorough advice. The next soil test is also due in February in order to be able to optimally supply the garden with fertilizer.

Caring for the garden properly in winter

If the ground is frost-free and not too wet, you can dig it up once in January and February: This helps a lot against the snails that overwinter in the ground, but also against other soil pests. If the soil is in the right condition, the first beds can be prepared in February and supplied with compost or composted manure. The frozen green manure sown in autumn can also be incorporated. In January, but no later than the beginning of February, you should check fruit trees for the nests of roller worms and blood lice and carefully scrape them off. Also refresh or catch up on the white coats. Fruit and vegetable stores should be inspected and aired regularly, removing anything that shows signs of rot or mold. The greenhouse and cold frames also need to be ventilated on warm and sunny days.

Sow, plant and harvest

In the greenhouse you can sow rocket, winter purslane and garden cress throughout the winter. From January onwards, radishes and radishes thrive, naturally also in the greenhouse. Under favorable conditions, early carrots, radishes, radishes, spinach and onions can be sown as early as mid-February outside with a fleece or film covering or in the cold frame. In the house you prefer early types of cabbage from January, and from February also leeks, lettuce, tomatoes, parsley and chives.

tips

Help the birds through the cold season by giving them species-appropriate food and regularly filling the drinkers with fresh water.

Category:

Vegetable garden