You can still grow your own in a King Country winter.
The King Country climate, which is generally milder than most people think, allows for several vegetables that can be successfully grown during the winter months.
The best option is to choose a garden bed that has ample sunshine in the winter months, when the sun angle changes from summer. The soil needs a temperature of 6C or more during the day to allow for growth to happen, which is why access to more sun than summer, is important in selecting your winter vegetable beds.
The following plants are a good idea – especially given the pests of summer and autumn are not in evidence at this time of year.
n Brussels sprouts: These cool-season vegetables thrive in King Country’s climate and can be harvested from late autumn through winter.
n Cabbage: Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can withstand colder temperatures, making it an excellent choice for winter gardening. These days, you can find mini brassicas, which allow you to grow more in a smaller space.
n Kale: Is a highly resilient leafy green that can tolerate frost and cold temperatures, making it an ideal winter vegetable.
n Spinach and silverbeet: These hardy plants are both cold-tolerant greens that can be grown throughout the year in the King Country.
n Broccoli: Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can handle cooler temperatures and can be harvested in winter. You can try some of the new variants, including the supposedly cheesy-tasting ‘cheddar’ or the longer stalked broccolini for something different.
n Carrots: Carrots can tolerate frost and cold weather, but would need to be planted now at the latest.
n Leeks: These members of the allium family are cold-hardy and can be left in the ground during winter, allowing you to harvest them as needed.
n Winter radishes: Varieties like daikon radishes are well-suited for winter growing, and they can add flavour and texture to your meals.
n Winter lettuce: There are some good winter lettuces such as Imperial Triumph and Iceberg for the hearting varieties, which do well in the colder season while cos and the green or red oak varieties which are pick-and-come-again types, also grow well. Mesclun too if you like that kind.
It’s important to note that while these vegetables can generally tolerate colder temperatures, you may still need to provide them with some protection during severe cold snaps or frosts. Using row covers, cloches, or cold frames can help create a better growing environment for your winter vegetables.
About the only problem you may have pest-wise is snails or slugs and a regular dose of pellets should ensure they stay away. I use a pet safe variety in my own gardens for this.
