(Your guide to kicking off winter in the kitchen garden)
As the cool air settles in and the first real frosts start to bite, winter in the garden can feel like a winding down—but it’s actually a powerful time to reset, replenish the soil, and plan for abundance.
This weekend marks the start of winter, and whether you’re tending a few raised beds or managing a full living pantry garden, it’s the perfect time to both plant smart and protect what you’ve already grown.
🥬 What You Can Still Plant in Early Winter
Winter isn’t a write-off! With the right prep, these crops can thrive through the colder months:
Direct sow or plant out:
- Peas – Snow peas and sugar snaps prefer cool temps and will climb happily through winter
- Garlic & Onions – If you haven’t planted them yet, now’s your last chance!
- Broad Beans – Cold-hardy and nitrogen-fixing for your soil
- Asian greens – Pak choy, tatsoi, and mizuna are quick and hardy
- Brassicas – Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts (if still small)
- Spinach, kale & silverbeet – Thrive in winter and withstand light frosts
In frost-prone areas (like the Highlands):
Make sure tender seedlings are protected with cloches or row covers until they establish.
🛡 What to Protect as Temperatures Drop
Even cold-tolerant crops need support in winter. Here’s what to watch:
- Young tomato or zucchini plants: If you haven’t cleared them yet, now’s the time
- Citrus or potted herbs: Move under cover or near a sunny wall
- Lettuces and salad greens: Protect from frost with upturned plastic tubs or garden fleece overnight
- Compost heaps: Keep covered to retain heat and stop rain from washing nutrients out
- Worm farms: Insulate or move undercover if temperatures plunge
Tip: Use old sheets, buckets, or clear tubs to make instant cold frames from items already in the shed!
🌱 Soil-Focused Winter Tasks
- Mulch any bare beds to protect the soil and suppress weeds
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds not in use (to break down over winter)
- Start planning for spring crops — now is a great time to order seeds and clean tools
- Split or move perennials like rhubarb, artichokes or established herbs
- Set up cold frames or mini greenhouses if you want to start seeds early
🌼 Bonus: What’s Still Going Strong
If you’ve kept up with succession planting, you may still be harvesting:
- Carrots, turnips, and radishes
- Leeks and green onions
- Winter lettuces
- Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley
- Kale, broccoli side shoots, and silverbeet
This Week in the Garden
Winter might be quieter, but it’s never idle. A little prep now means a stronger spring and fewer pest and soil issues later.
💻 Want help planning? Download my Winter Kitchen Garden Guide