Submitted by Lisa Morgan, UCCE Mariposa County Master Gardener
As we fall into Autumn and then slide to Winter, we can feel less inspired to be in the garden. The pivot to Autumn and Winter chores, from splitting wood, covering cold-sensitive plants, and getting ready for the first snowfall, can seem daunting.
But wait, how about a Fall/Winter Garden? There ARE things that grow during the upcoming seasons. They may need slightly different attention, but once they are established, they do well with less watering than in summer. On average, you can water once or twice a week to keep your soil moist. Here are some ideas to turn those winter blues into a lush green garden.
Cool-season Crops
Plant cool season crops! Cool-season crops grow best during average daytime temperatures from 55° F to 75° F degrees. Some examples are beets, carrots, parsnip, radishes, turnips, asparagus, white potatoes, cabbage, celery, lettuce, onions, spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, bok choy, brussels sprouts, peas, cauliflower, and globe artichokes. Some of these veggies can be stored in a cool location and some are great to make those hardy soups and stews that comfort us through the winter.
Where Can You Find Seeds?
Not sure you want to commit to buying seeds for a winter garden? The Mariposa County Library, in conjunction with the UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa, has a seed library. Come into the main library located at 4978 10th St, Mariposa, and take a few vegetable varieties to try. While you are there, consider taking some seeds for your spring/summer starts. Spring garden seeds can be started indoors in February and March. Check back frequently as new seeds arrive periodically.
Winter Garden Tips
Here are some Fall / Winter Garden tips to consider keeping your garden happy and healthy:
- Consider amending your soil prior to planting. Your Spring / Summer Garden used some of the nutrients and amending it now saves you time in the early Spring.
- Location is key. Cool-season crops still need their 8+ hours of sun, so location is especially important in the winter when we have fewer hours of sunlight and the sunny locations in your garden may have shifted. Avoid planting under trees or in shaded areas.
- Check the weather for your area for average frost dates. Higher elevations get colder sooner and for longer. Knowing when to start your seeds can be a challenge. Check the information on the seed pack or planting guidelines for your location. Most cool-season crop seed start times tend to be during August and September. The soil must be warm enough for the seeds to germinate, and you should allow them 6-8 weeks to grow before transplanting them. If you missed your window for seeds, you could always consider buying plant starts and transplanting them.
- Season Extenders can protect your tender greens from the harsh winter elements. There are several options to consider. Low tunnels, hot beds, cold frames, row covers, or hot caps are all options. If you have a green house, things can be protected or grown in there.
Cool weather gardens can seem like a bountiful bonus for the year and bring a flash of color to those darker grey days of Winter.
UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are located in Mariposa at 5009 Fairgrounds Road. Visit our website at http:// cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master Gardener/ and Facebook page (UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County) for more gardening information and events. UC Master Gardeners staff a Helpline serving Mariposa County, including Greely Hill, Coulterville, and Lake Don Pedro 209-966-7078 or mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu). Listen to us on the radio at KRYZ 98.5 Mariposa on Wednesdays at 2:00 and Saturdays at 5:00