Many Vancouver area gardeners spend the winter wishing for something fresh from the garden, rather than bought from the store, or pulled from a can on the shelf. Surprisingly, in the moderate climate of the BC coast there are actually a number of hardy crops that can be grown into the winter season.

Low light levels and colder temperatures mean that growth will be slower, but that doesn’t mean that growing your food is completely impossible. Harvesting will be slower and crops will be smaller than in the warmer months, but if you have the space to plant a lot of plants, you can feed your family even through the coldest months.

Winter crops should generally be started in midsummer to give ample time to root and grow before the freezing starts. Most vegetables should be planted in July or August to establish properly before the winter. Some vegetables, such as brussels sprouts or kale, actually can thrive in the colder temperature of winter and become sweeter after a frost. Other vegetables may need mulch and extra care to be bountiful during the winter, but it is possible!

Some great options for winter harvest include the following:

• Arugula
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Carrots
• Chard
• Collards
• Kale
• Leeks
• Mustard
• Parsley
• Parsnips
• Scallions
• Spinach
• Turnips

For more winter growing tips and vegetable options, visit us at Art Knapp Surrey today!