In The Garden

by Barry Peters

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Gardeners who have enjoyed fresh vegetables from their own garden through summer and fall will be reluctant to go back to buying supermarket produce. Some vegetables can be successfully grown over winter, or at least part way through winter. This winter is supposed to be a warm one due to El Nino and could be a good one for winter vegetables.
To be successful, winter vegetables must be planted in well-drained soil where winter precipitation doesn't linger. Protection against the strong dessicating winter winds that whip through some parts of the Fraser Valley is also essential.
Full sun is important during this period of low illumination. An unheated cold frame or similar protective structure which can be closed at night when temperatures drop suddenly and reopened during the day is also helpful.
Not all vegetables are suitable for winter production but those that are can make the pursuit worthwhile.
Some varieties of garden peas sown in August or started in peat pots and planted out in early September will produce pods in late fall: one successful variety is Utrillo.
Many members of the cabbage family are quite hardy and with a reasonably mild winter will grow and remain useable right through to early spring.
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflowers transplants can be set out in August or early September.
Brussel sprout seed is sown in spring. The leaves are removed in late summer and the sprouts appear along the stems in fall and will frequently persist all winter. Frost actually improves their flavor.
Swiss chard, which is a relative of the beet, produces luxuriant leafy foliage and is quite frost-resistant. Spring plants can be left in the soil and leaves may be harvested in fall and winter.
Carrots and beets from spring can be left in the soil, provided drainage is good. If the winter is not too severe, they can be harvested during the winter months.
Lettuce enjoys cool fall weather and will grow rapidly in September and October. The fast-growing blended Mesclun mixes should be excellent for this purpose.
Spinach sown aroun the first of September will grow throughout a mild winter and can be harvested in spring.