Written by: m e riley, Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice, Class of 2022

The boisterous summer growing season entails an industrious to-do list: daily irrigation, weekly weeding, biweekly fertilizing, monthly mulching, mowing and pruning and integrated pest management. For the year-long gardener, autumn and winter promise some relief from the high intensity efforting spring and summertime often require. With a bit of strategizing, preparing garden beds with a few reliable crops for overwintering could deliver a prosperous early spring harvest.

Planning
Consider logistics when planning winter grow beds. A south-facing area of the yard may be able to withstand frost better than a low spot on the north side of a house. Always take note of sun exposure, too shady may mean too cold for some crops. Elevation may allow for a few weeks more of above-freezing temperatures or alternatively, may mean that snow is inevitable by November. Winter gardens typically don’t require heavy watering and fertilizing regimens that summer crops prefer. This means lower maintenance, less costs, and fewer worries for the gardener! After planting, cover all beds generously with mulch to provide a protective barrier as well as ensure moisture and heat retention throughout the harsh winter. Straw mulch, fallen autumn leaves, shredded newsprint, and bark chips are excellent organic materials to utilize. Once incorporated, water thoroughly. If wind is a concern, arranging a few evergreen boughs or larger timber along the bed perimeter and plant sites will protect the mulch from strong gusts.

Alliums
Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) are excellent winter crops that may be planted from early September – end of October, while the ground is still warm. Depending on environmental conditions and cultural practices, garlic planted in October will likely be ready for harvest late June – early July. Onions need at least 8 months to complete bulb development, so planting by October’s end will usually produce a hearty harvest by early April. Alliums grow well in even the heaviest of clay soils but consider amending with compost to ensure the crops have needed food to survive the long growing period. Sowing in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen will set the growing bed up for success.

Greens
Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens) is a semi-hardy leafy green that survived Pueblo winter 2021 in our home garden. During the coldest months, the leaves were smaller and darker than in summertime but nevertheless provided great nutrition along with attractive foliage in the sleepy gardenscape. Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia) is nearly- indestructible in the face of Old Man Winter, surviving temperatures down to -50° F. Also known as dinosaur kale, these dark greens won’t go extinct even in several feet of snow.

Herbs
Catmint (Nepeta) is a hardy choice for every garden. Velvety leaves thrive in cold temperatures and provide tasty tea leaves, herbs for a soaking bath, and an intoxicating treat for felines. Broadleaf sage (Salvia officinalis) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) planted together are chummy wintertime companions. Once established, both species encourage healthy soil and leaf growth. Brush away heavy snow to avoid a withering plant. The iconic Coneflower (Echinacea) outlasts very cold winters, surviving in -30° F or colder temperatures and provides visual interest along with food for birds throughout the season. Due to winter conditions, herb leaves may lose a bit of their tautness, but don’t be discouraged!  They will nevertheless bestow rich flavors and nourishment when we need it most.