Winter Gardening

The key problem in wintertime is that the fluid within the plant's cells can freeze, harming the cell beyond repair.  In general, this can kill the plant or at least stunt its development substantially, rendering it useless.

There are many steps you can take to shield your backyard garden from heavy frosts.

Each plant requires a bit of a different approach.

Here are some general options for any gardener.

Plant vegetables of the Brassica family (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc.) they have a high salt content making them resistant to cold. Salt raises the freezing temperature of any substance. One caution, cauliflowers do not possess this particular defense and are the exception.

Throughout the winter season your plants can benefit from having old pots placed over them at night to protect them from the cold.  The pots need to be removed during the day so the plants can photosynthesize.

If you have potted plants you can simply move them into a protected area at night.

You can also cover your plants with a plastic tarp.  This helps hold in the warmth the plants generate.

Prevent Heaving. Heaving happens when the ground freezes. When it warms up again it  gently pushes the plant up. After awhile the plant gets pushed out of the soil.  To prevent this just put a mound of soil around the plant. This will minimize the heaving effect.

Build or buy a green house.

Vegetable Garden