It is possible to grow different crops during winter in California. Plenty of plants flourish in a season when water usage is limited. This means you have to grow plants tolerant to dry conditions. They should mature fast and allow you to harvest several times throughout the season. You have no reason to let your garden appear empty during winter despite the freezing temperature. Whether you live in southern or northern California, you can liven up your outdoor space with plants.
Winter Crops for Southern California
Beet
Beet seeds are planted on the ground, and they produce edible roots. The leaves and stems are eaten too. These vegetables add color to your different meals. Besides, they have medical benefits dating back many centuries ago. Beets thrive in small spaces, including raised beds and containers. Since they are colorful, they beautify your garden too. You can combine the crops with cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Broccoli
Broccoli seeds are small, but they grow into large plants with high nutritional value. It is one of the commercially successful plants across the world. However, nothing beats freshly grown veggies. Broccoli does well in cool temperatures with moist and highly fertilized soils. This plant grows wonderfully, and planting it in a container allows you to watch it develop beautifully. The home-grown broccoli is tender and full of antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the oldest vegetables. It dates back to more than 4,000 years ago. With this single veggie, you can enjoy different flavors, colors and textures of cabbages. You can choose to grow several varieties. A ruffled leafy cabbage is the sweetest. If you are looking for a versatile option, go for green cabbages. Ensure plenty of soil moisture, high fertility and cool temperature during winter.
Carrot
Planting carrots is easy and one of the best crops to grow during winter in southern California. These orange veggies are sweet and nutritious when fresh. They flourish in almost any climate, making it easy to plant the small seeds and harvest within the cold season. If you want a constant supply of carrots, plant after every 21 days. Just don’t plant too many of them at a time because they are not used in many recipes.
Winter Crops for Northern California
Radish
Radish is a popular type of vegetable. The small seeds are sown directly to the soil, which allows you to make succession planting for a consistent supply of radishes even during winter. The many varieties of radishes are tasty; some are bitter, while others have a spicy taste. The seeds germinate fast, and the plant flourishes in a cool climate. This is why it thrives during winter. These plants can be grown with other plants such as cabbages, lettuce, and many others.
Onions
Winter is the coldest season, but you can still grow different flavors of onions to warm up every meal. Onions grown at home will boost the taste of your food effortlessly. Just get many varieties of seeds, including spring and bulb onions.
Plant them in a container full of loam soil. Short-day onions do well in the northern regions of California. They tend to do well, especially if you use quality seeds. You can also transplant your onions. Note that onion seeds expire fast, so always plant fresh ones.
Lettuce
You can sow lettuce seeds directly on the ground. It is an easy crop to grow and only takes about 30 days to mature. It also doesn’t take much space in your garden. You can plant these veggies in a pot or container our or indoors. Lettuce will excite you if you are trying winter farming for the first time.
They are rewarding, and you will have fresh ones to use any day. The most amazing thing is that lettuce can regrow up to the fourth time as long you take good care of them. Keep the soil around them moist, and your lettuce will thrive.
What To Grow In Winter California: Conclusion
The winter season is cold but comes with its beauty. You can embrace the season by growing your crops despite the low temperatures. All you need is to identify plants that can flourish in cold conditions. It is the way to always have some fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs throughout the year in California.