Survival Gear Blog

Winter Plants To Grow In Your Garden

Winter may seem an unlikely time for trees, shrubs and garden plants to bloom, but you can still see a few if you do your research and plant right. For instance, a gardening expert may recommend trees like the Acer palmatum dissectum, which blooms red, yellow and orange in Pennsylvania’s late Novembers, or red, yellow and orange blooming shagbark maples. The oak-leaf hydrangeas (also called “snow queens”) are good plants that love hot summers but survive hardy northeast winters too. They can be red, purple or white. The enkianthus usually turns bright red in the winter and azaleas can be bright red, yellow or pink. The helleborus and aloha rose are two exotic-looking flowers that can hold a vivid bloom against the white winter snow as well. Read on for more gardening information because if you know what to plant and how to plant, you can have a thriving winter garden.

During the winter, you may also want to add late growing plants to the mix. You can plant ornamental cabbages that come in stunning foliage colors such as yellow, lilac, deep purple, white and pink. This heath is the hardiest winter flower, as it’s able to withstand temperatures as low as -25. Parsley survives from May through November. From June through November, you can harvest broccoli, chard and kale. Beets can even be harvested into December and potatoes can be dug up from July into December. Starting in August (through November), you can harvest broccoli raab, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, rutabagas and turnips. Starting in August (through December), you can harvest leeks, pears, carrots and winter squash. September through November, you’ll gather your pumpkins, shelling beans and celery root. October through November, you’ll pick fennel and from October through December, you can gather cranberries and parsnips. Mushrooms can be cultivated year-round. Home vegetable gardening is not only enjoyable when you see the fruits of your labor, but it’s also practical because you can feed your family, while saving hundreds at the grocery store.

Mulching is essential to help your garden plants survive the winter. In late October/early November, you should begin prepping your garden for the cold rains, the winds and the frosts ahead. When you mulch, you’re insulating the plants, protecting the root systems, discouraging weeds, reducing moisture evaporation during dry spells and preventing the soil from eroding away during the wet storms. Conventional garden advice says to use peat moss or shredded newspapers. Bark and sawdust can also be used, but you must ensure there is adequate nitrogen from mulch material in the soil. Mulching is especially important for rutabagas, turnips, parsnips, onions, carrots and beets. Every so often, you’ll need to dig down into the soil to check for sufficient moisture. In the summer, you should brush away some of the remaining mulch to enable the sunshine to penetrate the soil.

Whether you’re into vegetable garden plants or perennial flower gardening, these tips should help you create a beautiful and productive winter ensemble. Many people are saving money during the recession by growing their own edible foods, while also improving their moods with fresh cut flowers on the table all year round. Flowers in a winter garden can add a bit of excitement and wonderment, a dash of fragrance and a splash of color to your yard.

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