Overwinter
Cold-tolerant crops sown in autumn survive winter and yield tender greens or bulbs early next season.
Overwintering means planting seeds or sets in late summer or fall so they enter dormancy just before freezing and resume growth as soon as soil thaws. Leeks, garlic, onions, kale, and spinach excel at this because they harden off naturally with dropping temperatures. Sow seeds about 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes to allow root development without top growth. Mulch heavily after hard frost with straw or leaves to regulate soil temperature and protect crowns.
Garlic and onions are planted as cloves or sets in October for spring growth—planting too early causes premature sprouting that gets killed by cold. Seeds like spinach or arugula can be sown later, even as soil cools to 40°F, and will germinate slowly. Avoid heavy feeding before frost; reduce nitrogen to encourage dormancy. Some gardeners use cold frames or low tunnels to extend the sowing window and protect tender shoots.
In early spring, remove or thin mulch as soon as green shoots appear to prevent rot and allow sunlight. These plants use winter’s chill to trigger flowering and bolting—but if you want greens, harvest before flowering for best taste. Thin dense seedlings in spring for healthy crowding, and water lightly once growth resumes. Most overwintered crops are sweeter and more tender than summer-grown counterparts.
