Don’t be afraid of frost
Gardening during the spring and summer months has its own challenges, but some would say it is much easier than gardening through the fall and winter. Why? Because of the frost. Frost can be very damaging, even deathly, to plants that cannot tolerate colder weather.
Well, I’m here to tell you that the frost should not be the reason you don’t garden in the fall and winter….yes even the winter.
Here in Fayetteville, NC, we grow organic gardens year-round. Yay for us, right! Because we rarely get to or below freezing, we can garden all year.
a little science about frost
So, frost happens when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees. When the moisture that is in the air touches the temperature of 32 degrees or below, it forms ice crystals on surfaces, including the plants.
I told you it was only a little science….HeeHeeHee.
What can survive the frost
One of my most favorite foods can survive the frost…collards greens. Another leafy green that can survive the fall and winter is kale. These two leafy greens can even last through some snow! And the cherry on top is they taste even better after a frost.
Other frost tolerate plants include beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, some cabbage, cauliflower, green onions, lavender, some leafy lettuces, leeks, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, swiss chard, and turnips.
Such a great variety of options!
Growing veggies that don’t like cold
If you want to grow veggies that do not like the cold, and you live in areas that doesn’t freeze or doesn’t freeze often, you can simply cover you plants with a frost cover. A frost cover is a light-weight garden fabric that lets in light, water, traps warmth, and keeps out the cold. It is a very effective way to grow food through the colder days. You can also choose to add hoops with your frost cover to avoid the fabric touching your plants.
live in areas that freeze?
If you live in the western areas of NC or around the country that does freeze, you can also grow these vegetables in the fall and winter. This can happen by using cold frames (small green houses). Cold frames provide the protection plants need from the cold.
For instance, if you want want to grow something that is not on the list above, such as bell peppers, you can grow them in the cold frame. What the cold frame does in traps the heat within the frame while letting light in and keeping the cold out. It creates the environment needed for plants that love the warmer temperatures.
Wrapping it all up
In most states, we will experience a frost. If you have a vegetable garden, you can handle it! Depending on your location, you can use a frost cover, cold frames, or even a small greenhouse.
For more direction and guidance on growing through the cold, LET US KNOW or BOOK A CONSULT for a planting plan and further education.
Stay warm!
NaTasha
