Written by: Marge Vorndam, Master Gardener Emeritus

Did you know that you can successfully grow a garden through the winter? Next spring can bring a plethora of produce for consumption!  Generally, our growing zones are around zone 5 to 7 in our part of Colorado. Lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, peas, and most leafy greens and cool-season vegetables can be sown in the winter in these zones. Now is a great time to plan your next winter’s garden!

I happened to rent a cabin near Flathead Lake in Montana some years back. There I was introduced to the concept. Whoever had lived there in the fall left last summer’s veggies, and in the spring, I enjoyed broccoli, cabbage and carrots that the gardener had left, even through the snow.

So, while planning for this spring’s garden, think now about harvesting veggies through the winter and into next spring 2026!

Some useful information on winter gardening can be found at the following resources:

Backmo, S.  ND. Growing vegetables in Winter: A beginner’s guide. https://sarabackmo.com/growing-vegetables-in-winter-a-beginners-guide/

Country Fair Garden Center. 2025. Winter Gardening Tips & Suggestions for Colorado Gardeners.  https://www.countryfairgarden.com/gardening-tips/winter/

Happy gardening, even next Winter!