10 Cold-Hardy Veggies to Plant Now in Georgia
Don't let the cooler temperatures here in Atlanta fool you! Georgia gardens can still be productive during the winter months. Imagine stepping into your backyard and harvesting fresh, flavorful vegetables even when there's a chill in the air. It's totally possible, and incredibly rewarding! One of the keys to successful winter gardening is choosing the right crops. Let's dive into ten cold-hardy veggies that thrive in Georgia's winter climate:
1. Kale
This leafy green superstar is a nutritional powerhouse and can handle frosty temperatures like a champ. Whether you prefer curly kale, lacinato kale, or Red Russian, there's a variety for every taste. Toss it in salads, smoothies, or sauté it for a healthy and delicious side dish. Kale is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Try baking kale chips for a crunchy snack, adding it to soups and stews for extra nutrients, or even massaging it with olive oil and lemon juice for a simple and satisfying salad.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Winterbor', 'Red Russian', 'Lacinato' (Dinosaur Kale)
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Tips: Protect young plants with row covers if temperatures dip below 20°F. Harvest outer leaves first to encourage continued growth.
2. Spinach
Who doesn't love fresh spinach? This fast-growing green is perfect for winter gardens. Plus, you can succession plant it every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Enjoy it raw in salads, or cook it up as a tasty side dish. Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it's incredibly easy to grow. Try adding it to omelets, pasta dishes, or even smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Bloomsdale Long Standing', 'Tyee', 'Space'
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0
Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
Tips: Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest young leaves for baby spinach or allow to mature for larger leaves.
3. Radishes
These little root veggies are super easy to grow, and they're ready to harvest in less than a month! With their peppery bite, radishes add a zesty kick to salads and crudité platters. Experiment with different varieties like Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Watermelon radishes for a colorful mix. Not only are radishes delicious, but they're also a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients. Try roasting them with other root vegetables for a flavorful side dish.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Cherry Belle', 'French Breakfast', 'Watermelon'
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Loose, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay.
Spacing: 1 inch apart, thin to 2-3 inches apart as they grow.
Tips: Radishes grow quickly, so keep an eye on them! Harvest when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
4. Carrots
While carrots prefer cooler temperatures, they still need some warmth to germinate. The key is to provide them with loose, well-drained soil. Imagine pulling up a bunch of homegrown carrots – the flavor is unbeatable! Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Enjoy them raw as a snack, add them to soups and stews, or roast them for a sweet and caramelized treat.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Danvers Half Long', 'Nantes', 'Scarlet Nantes'
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Loose, sandy loam. Avoid rocky soil.
Spacing: 2-3 inches apart.
Tips: Amend soil with compost for best results. Consistent moisture is key for good root development.
5. Lettuce
From crisp romaine to tender butter lettuce, there's a wide variety of lettuce that can thrive in your winter garden. Loose-leaf varieties are particularly easy to grow and provide a continuous supply of fresh greens for your salads. Lettuce is a refreshing and versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. Try different varieties to discover your favorites, and experiment with different dressings and toppings to create exciting salads.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Black Seeded Simpson' (loose-leaf), 'Winter Density' (romaine), 'Buttercrunch'
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Tips: Harvest outer leaves first for continuous growth. Provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
6. Swiss Chard
Similar to spinach, Swiss chard is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can tolerate cold weather. With its colorful stems and slightly bitter flavor, it adds a unique touch to stir-fries, soups, and salads. Swiss chard is a great source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. Its vibrant stems can also add a pop of color to your dishes.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Bright Lights', 'Fordhook Giant', 'Rhubarb Chard'
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Tips: Harvest outer leaves first to encourage new growth.
7. Mustard Greens
If you like a bit of spice in your life, mustard greens are a must-try! These peppery greens are packed with flavor and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even as a substitute for spinach in many recipes. Mustard greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and they offer a unique flavor that can add depth to your dishes. Try them in a classic Southern-style dish with ham hocks or bacon.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Florida Broadleaf', 'Southern Giant Curled', 'Red Giant'
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
Tips: Harvest young leaves for a milder flavor. Can tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon.
8. Turnips
Don't forget about turnips! Both the greens and the roots are edible, making them a versatile addition to your winter garden. Roast the roots for a sweet and savory side dish, or sauté the greens for a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals. Turnips are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Try adding them to mashed potatoes for a unique twist, or use the greens in place of kale or collard greens.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Purple Top White Globe', 'Hakurei' (salad turnip)
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Loose, well-drained soil.
Spacing: 3-6 inches apart
Tips: Harvest turnips when they are young (2-3 inches in diameter) for the best flavor.
9. Broccoli
While some broccoli varieties prefer warmer weather, there are cold-hardy options that can withstand cooler temperatures. Look for varieties like 'Packman' or 'Arcadia' for best results. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that's packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Enjoy it raw with dips, steamed as a healthy side dish, or roasted for a crispy and flavorful treat.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Packman', 'Arcadia', 'Green Magic'
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
Tips: Side-dress with compost tea or fertilizer for optimal growth.
10. Cauliflower
Just like broccoli, cauliflower has some cold-hardy varieties that can handle Georgia winters. Try planting varieties like 'Snow Crown' or 'Graffiti' for a delicious and nutritious addition to your garden. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Try roasting it with spices, using it as a pizza crust, or ricing it for a low-carb alternative to rice.
Growing Tips:
Varieties: 'Snow Crown', 'Graffiti', 'Purple of Sicily'
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
Tips: Blanch the heads by tying the leaves over them a week or two before harvest.
Tips for Success
Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend your soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Times: Refer to the Georgia planting calendar for specific planting dates for each vegetable.
Protecting Plants: Use row covers or cloches to protect young plants from frost and cold snaps.
Conclusion
Winter gardening in Georgia can be a bountiful and rewarding experience. By choosing cold-hardy vegetables and following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the colder months. So, bundle up, get out in the garden, and start planting!
Do you need help determining what to plant in your garden and when? The Planter App makes gardening easy. Arrange your garden and learn how to grow vegetables.
