As the days shorten and the frost creeps in, it’s actually the perfect time to give plants a head start, boost harvests and keep your garden productive all year round. Heirloom seed company, She Grows Veg, has some top tips on “overwintering” and how to make the most of this time of year, ready for the garden to burst into life come spring.
There are lots of wonderful varieties that not only survive the harsh cold months, but thrive, given the right conditions, from onions, broad beans, peas, and spring onions, to hardy herbs like sage, thyme, oregano, and chives, plus flowers such as calendula, pansies, and violas.
Use fleece protection
By using a breathable, insulating fabric, you can protect plants from the harsh winter conditions but still allow light and water to penetrate. Broad beans are hardy but will appreciate a little extra fleece protection to help them survive the frost.
Allow for good drainage
Drainage is vital for overwintering plants because poor-drainage leads to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Good drainage allows excess water to escape and keeps the roots healthy.
Choose hardy vegetable varieties
Onions are perhaps the easiest entry point into overwintering. Autumn-planted sets settle their roots in before winter, then snooze through the cold, only to leap into growth when spring warms up. Broad beans are also a great choice.
Use a cloche or mesh
Cloches act as miniature greenhouses that provide protection from the frost and meshes offer protection from pests. Consider a cloche or mesh for peas that otherwise attract birds.
Keep herbs thriving
Varieties such as sage, oregano, thyme and mountain mint are great overwintering herbs. If container-grown, consider raising the pot or moving to a more sheltered location for very harsh conditions.
Boasting a range of over 300 open pollinated heirloom seed varieties that promise the most beautiful, unique and delicious veg, fruit and flowers, She Grows Veg offers everything you need to continue gardening over the colder months. There are also ‘Sow, Grow and Taste’ Youtube videos available via QR codes on every single pack, along with expert tips and advice on how to get the best results from your seeds.
For more information on SheGrowsVeg and the range of heirloom seeds available, please visit https://shegrowsveg.com/
