Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your gardening season. In fact, some of the best vegetables thrive in cold weather, transforming frosty days into a season of abundance.
From frost-sweetened roots to resilient greens, here are 15 hardy crops that will keep your garden alive—and your table full—all winter long.
1. Carrots (Daucus carota)
- Days to Harvest: 60–80 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct seed into loose soil in early fall. For winter harvest, start planting in late summer.
Carrots love the cool weather. They grow well in the winter months, especially if you plant them early enough. The cold makes them even sweeter! Just make sure the soil is loose and not too wet, so they can grow straight and strong.
2. Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Days to Harvest: 180–240 days from cloves (plant in fall, harvest in summer).
- Planting Tips: Plant individual cloves in the fall for the best results. The cold helps them grow robustly.
You plant garlic in the fall, and it grows through the winter, ready to harvest in the summer. It doesn’t mind the cold, and the chill actually helps it develop its strong flavor. Just plant the cloves in well-drained soil, and you’ll have garlic in no time.
3. Onions (Allium cepa)
- Days to Harvest: Onions take 120–150 days to harvest from seeds, but only 60–90 days when grown from sets (small bulbs).
- Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors in late summer or plant sets in the fall for an earlier harvest.
Like garlic, onions can be planted in the fall and will grow all winter. You can start them from seeds or sets (small bulbs), and by spring, you’ll have strong onion plants ready for harvest. They enjoy the cold and need minimal care.
4. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
- Days to Harvest: 30–45 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow seeds in early fall for a winter-long supply. Harvest individual leaves as needed.
Spinach is a hardy green that thrives in the cooler weather. It grows quickly and is perfect for winter gardening. You can start seeds directly in the ground and harvest fresh, leafy greens all winter long. Spinach tastes better after a light frost!
5. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
- Days to Harvest: 55–75 days from seed, 30–40 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Start seeds in late summer or plant transplants in the fall. Harvest outer leaves continuously.
One of the most frost-tolerant vegetables, kale is ideal for winter gardening. It can withstand snow and freezing temperatures. In fact, kale leaves get even sweeter after a frost.
You can enjoy fresh kale for soups, salads, and smoothies throughout the colder months.
6. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
- Days to Harvest: 70–100 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting in early fall. Requires consistent care for a full head.
Cauliflower grows best when the temperature isn’t too hot, making it a great choice for winter gardening. Just plant it in the fall, and you’ll have fresh, crunchy heads ready in the winter. It needs plenty of sunlight and cool temperatures to thrive.
7. Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
- Days to Harvest: 120–180 days from seed, 100–120 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Start seeds in midsummer for fall transplanting. These take time but thrive in frost.
These little veggies get better with frost! Brussels sprouts grow slowly but are worth the wait. You can plant them in late summer or early fall, and by winter, you’ll have small, leafy sprouts that taste sweeter after a cold snap.
They need a lot of space to grow, so make sure you give them room.
8. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
- Days to Harvest: 50–60 days from seed, 30–40 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow in the fall or transplant for quicker harvest. Pick outer leaves for continuous growth.
Another hardy vegetable that does well in the winter, it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. You can plant it in the fall and keep harvesting leaves all through winter.
Even when the temperature drops, Swiss chard will keep producing, giving you fresh greens for soups, stews, and salads.
9. Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa)
- Days to Harvest: 120–180 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct seed in early fall. They grow slowly, but frost enhances their sweetness.
Parsnips are great for winter gardening because they taste better after a frost. Plant them in the fall, and they’ll grow slowly through the cold months.
The frost helps bring out their natural sweetness, making them perfect for winter roasts or mashed dishes.
10. Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa)
- Days to Harvest: 30–60 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow seeds in early fall. Both roots and greens are edible.
Plant them in the fall, and they’ll develop through the cooler months. You can eat both the root and the greens, which makes turnips a great value.
They have a slightly peppery flavor, especially after frost, and can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups.
11. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
- Days to Harvest: 80–100 days from seed, 65–75 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors in midsummer or transplant in the fall for winter heads.
Cabbage can be planted in the fall, and it will continue to grow through the colder months. The cool temperatures help it form tight, crunchy heads.
It’s great for soups, stews, or even making your sauerkraut!
12. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
- Days to Harvest: 100–150 days from seed, 60–100 days from transplants.
- Planting Tips: Plant seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting in fall. Harvest the main head, then side shoots.
Grow broccoli in the fall, and it will grow through the winter, producing delicious, green florets. The cooler weather helps it stay tender and sweet.
You can harvest the main head, and then keep getting smaller side shoots for even more fresh broccoli.
13. Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)
- Days to Harvest: 90–120 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow in summer for harvest before frost. Store in a cool, dry place for winter meals.
Unlike summer squash, it stores well, so you can plant it in the fall and harvest it just before the frost hits. Squash like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are hardy and get sweeter after a frost, making them perfect for winter meals like soups or roasted dishes.
14. Radish (Raphanus sativus)
- Days to Harvest: 20–30 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow in early fall for quick harvests. Plant successively for continuous supply.
They grow best in cooler weather, and the frost even makes them taste a little spicier. You can plant them in late summer or early fall, and they’ll be ready to harvest in just a few weeks. They’re great for adding crunch to salads or eating as a snack.
15. Beets (Beta vulgaris)
- Days to Harvest: 50–70 days from seed.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow in fall. You can harvest young greens early or wait for mature roots.
Beets are tough and perfect for winter gardens. Plant them in the fall; they’ll grow through the winter, and get sweeter as the temperature drops. You can eat both the root and the greens. Beets are delicious roasted, in soups, or even as a salad topping.
Planting these veggies that thrive in cool temperatures enables you to have a garden that works year-round.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.