10 Best Plants You Can Grow in Winter

You might be surprised to learn that winter gardening is possible.

If you’re asking yourself, “What should I plant in winter?” you’re in the right place. 

Many people think gardening is only for spring and summer, but there are actually several plants that do quite well in the colder months. 

Growing your own food in winter can be fulfilling, allowing you to enjoy fresh vegetables when most gardens are dormant. There are plenty of options to consider.

In this article, we’ll go over some simple vegetables you can plant during winter, so you can keep enjoying homegrown goodness even when it’s cold outside.

What Plants Can You Grow in Winter?

There are actually lots of plants you can grow during the colder months. With the right choices, you can grow touch vegetables that do well in cold conditions. 

So, take a look at the top 10 plants you can grow in winter.

1. Kale

Kale is a hardy vegetable for cold weather. In fact, it actually tastes sweeter after a frost, making it perfect for winter.

You can plant it in the fall, and as long as the soil drains well (avoiding puddles), it will continue to grow slowly through the winter. Kale thrives in temperatures between 30°F and 40°F—chilly but not freezing.

If you live in a windy area, consider covering it with something like a row cover to protect it from harsh weather.

The great thing about kale is that you can keep harvesting leaves all winter long, and they’ll continue to grow back.

2. Spinach

Spinach thrives in cold weather and can even handle a bit of frost, so you don’t have to worry too much about freezing temperatures.

You can plant it, and it will keep growing through the winter as long as temperatures stay cool, around 35°F to 55°F.

I suggest you add a layer of mulch around the these plants to keep the soil warm and protect the roots.

Once the outer leaves are big enough, you can start harvesting them, and the plant will continue to grow new leaves.

3. Carrots

Carrots are ideal for the colder months, especially since they become sweeter after a frost. You’ll want to plant them in loose, well-draining soil in late summer or early fall. 

Once they’re in, they grow slowly through the winter, so you don’t need to worry about them too much.

If the ground gets really cold, a good layer of mulch can help keep them safe. 

You can leave them in the ground all winter, and when you’re ready, just pull them up as you need them. 

They can taste even better the longer they stay in the ground, so it’s a good way to have fresh carrots all season.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli handles the cold well and actually grows best in cooler temperatures.

Broccoli can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, making it quite hardy. However, if you live in an area where the winters are harsh, you might want to cover it with a row cover or cloth to give it a little extra protection. 

When the heads are firm and tight, that’s when it’s time to harvest.

If you leave it too long, the heads will start to flower, and it won’t taste as good.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is another vegetable that can withstand freezing temperatures. It’s best to plant cabbage in late summer or early fall, allowing it to grow slowly through the winter.

These veggies needs space to grow, so ensure there’s enough room between each plant. This spacing helps air circulate around the plants, reducing the risk of mold.

Adding a layer of mulch around the base will also help keep the soil warm and protects the roots from freezing.

When the heads feel firm and solid, that’s when it’s time to harvest.

6. Beets

Beets are ideal for cooler weather and can be planted in late summer for a winter harvest.

Like carrots, beets become sweeter after a frost, making them even more delicious. They need well-draining soil to avoid becoming too soggy.

Adding mulch helps keep the soil warm and protects the roots from freezing.

During winter, beets may face competition from weeds, so mulching around the plants is also a good way to prevent weeds from crowding them out and stealing valuable nutrients.

7. Leeks

Leeks are a milder, sweeter alternative to onions and are perfect for winter gardening.

You’ll want to plant them in late summer or early fall, and they grow best in deep, well-draining soil, so make sure to plant them deep enough.

Once planted, leeks don’t require much attention—just occasional watering and weed removal.

You may want to put mulch to help protect the roots from freezing during the colder months. 

You can leave them in the ground throughout the winter and harvest them when needed.

8. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a hardy green that can tolerate light frost and continues to produce tender leaves through the winter, even in colder temperatures.

It grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, but it can handle a bit of cold, making it ideal for winter gardening.

If you live in an area with very cold winters, using row covers or a cold frame can help protect the plants from freezing temperatures and extend your harvest.

Swiss chard is also low-maintenance—just make sure it gets regular water and the soil stays well-drained.

What’s really great about Swiss chard is that it will keep coming back after each harvest, so you can keep picking fresh leaves all season long.

9. Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables, typically maturing in about 3-4 weeks, which makes them ideal for both fall and winter planting.

They are well-suited to cooler temperatures, and in fact, a light frost can improve their flavor, making them even sweeter and more peppery.

That's why they're perfect for planting in late summer or early fall to harvest through the colder months.

Radishes also don’t need a lot of care. Just plant the seeds in soil that drains well, and mulch to keep the soil moist and warm.

10. Lettuce

Lettuce can thrive in cooler weather and is a great addition to your winter garden. It grows best when temperatures are between 45°F and 55°F.

Lettuce is a fast grower, so you can start harvesting the outer leaves once they’re big enough, while the inner leaves continue to grow. This means you can enjoy fresh greens all season long.

If it’s particularly cold in your area, a row cover or a bit of mulch can help protect your lettuce from frost and extend its growing season.

Lettuce also does well in partially shaded areas, which can help it survive the chillier months.

So, these 10 plants are perfect for colder weather, and with just a little attention, you can grow fresh, tasty food all through the winter. 

They don’t require a ton of work—just a bit of preparation, some mulch and composts, and maybe a little cover if it gets extra cold. 

You’ll have a nice, steady supply of veggies to keep you going through the colder months.

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