Overwintering is a gardening technique that allows small farmers to maximize their crop production throughout the year.
By strategically planting certain crops in the summer and fall, farmers can leave them in the ground to harvest during the following spring and summer seasons.
This method works particularly well in milder climates, where plants either go dormant or grow slowly during the winter months.
The advantages of overwintering crops are twofold. Firstly, it optimizes the use of garden space, ensuring continuous productivity.
By carefully planning which crops to overwinter, farmers can replace the harvested summer crops and maintain a year-round harvest.
Secondly, overwintered crops benefit from the absence or scarcity of pests during the colder months. This reduces the need for pest control measures and allows crops to flourish.
July is a great time to get started. Top picks for overwintering food crops that can transform your small farm into a year-round bounty:
- Red Spear Sprouting Broccoli: Start seeds indoors before the end of June, transplant in early August, or direct sow in early July for a fabulous harvest from March to June.
- Deadon Cabbage: This incredibly hardy variety can be started in July and transplanted in mid to late August, providing a fabulous winter harvest.
- Galleon Cauliflower: Sow seeds indoors in mid-July and transplant in mid-August to enjoy a scrumptious harvest in April and May.
- Walla Walla Onions: Start seeds indoors in late June or early July and transplant by the middle of August. These sweet onions will reward you with a delicious harvest the following June.
- Yukon Spinach: Direct sow spinach seeds in the third week of August, and after a dormant period, the plants will re-emerge in March, providing you with fresh, pest-free spinach.
- Windsor Broad Beans: Plant these legumes in October and November for a delightful harvest in April and May.
- Garlic: Plant seed garlic in September and October for a bountiful harvest of large, tasty bulbs in early July. Properly stored, they can last until the following March.
By incorporating overwintering crops into your small farm, you can extend your harvest period from early spring to summer.
This method allows for continuous productivity, utilizing your garden space year-round while minimizing pest pressure. Embrace the benefits of overwintering and enjoy a flourishing and abundant farm throughout the seasons.