Winter Gardening - All Winter Long!

You may not be thinking about planting, watering, weeding and harvesting but growing vegetables during the New Hampshire Winter is fun and yes, fruitful. Winter crops offer a unique savory taste. In his famous book, The Winter Harvest Handbook, Eliot Coleman show how year round gardening is possible with the smallest investment and a little time. The rewards are great in terms of personal satisfaction and delicious vegetables. We will continue to revisit this topic throughout the Winter.

Being a four-season gardener in New England can be challenging due to the region's cold winters and relatively short growing season. However, with careful planning, proper soil preparation, and the use of season extension techniques, it is possible to grow a variety of crops throughout the year.

To be a successful four-season gardener in New England, it's important to choose cold-hardy varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are adapted to the region's climate. Some popular winter crops in New England include kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and beets. For summer crops, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be grown successfully in warmer months.

One technique that can be used to extend the growing season is the use of cold frames and hoop houses. These structures can help protect plants from cold temperatures and frost, and can also provide additional warmth and shelter during early spring and late fall.

Another important practice for four-season gardening in New England is crop rotation. This involves planting different crops in different areas of the garden each year to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases and to allow the soil to rest and replenish nutrients.

Proper soil preparation is also essential for successful year-round gardening in New England. Adding compost and other organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and fertility, while also promoting beneficial microbial activity and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Overall, being a four-season gardener in New England requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt to changing weather conditions. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, it's possible to enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, healthy produce throughout the year.

- The Seacoast Gardener