Winter is a great time to start a garden. The weather is cold, but the ground has stopped growing and won't be invaded by weeds. You can plant seeds, which are easier to grow than plants from seedlings and are less expensive. You can also plant bulbs, which store well until spring.
But what types of plants should you choose? There are many options for winter gardens, but here are ten proven plants that will do well in your garden this year:
1. Herbs
Herbs are a great way to start your gardening journey because they're easy to grow and require little maintenance. Plus, they can be used in many recipes and add flavor to dishes. The best part is that herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on how much sunlight your home gets throughout the day.
2. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most popular greens that people grow in their gardens, and for a good reason! It's rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and magnesium. Plus, it tastes great!
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great choice for winter planting because they're hearty and produce fruit even when there's snow on the ground. As long as you live in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10, you can grow tomatoes in your garden year-round.
4. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are another popular fall crop that can be grown into winter and even early spring if temperatures stay above freezing at night. Pumpkins need about 100 days to mature, so plant them early enough, so they'll have plenty of time to grow before the first frost arrives in late summer or early fall.
5. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are easy to grow from seed and can produce fruit within two years of planting. The trees are hardy, so they can withstand cold weather better than many other types of fruit trees. They’re also drought tolerant, so they don’t need much watering once they get established in your yard.
6. Winter Squash
Winter squash is another good choice for a winter garden because it produces fruit well into the fall months, when most other plants have stopped producing fruits or vegetables altogether due to cold temperatures outside. Winter squash varieties include acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash, all of which can be stored for several months after harvest if properly cured beforehand.
7. Lavender
Lavender is one of the easiest plants to grow, and it smells wonderful! You can even make your own lavender essential oil by drying out the flowers. It’s also one of the oldest herbs used for medicinal purposes. Lavender can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the variety.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is another easy herb to grow indoors or outdoors. It requires full sun, so if you live in an area with very little sunlight during the winter months, consider growing rosemary inside under lights instead. Rosemary adds flavor to many dishes, including meats and vegetables. It’s also great for adding fragrance to potpourri or bath oils!
9. Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the first spring flowers to appear, showing up around February or March. They're also one of the easiest bulbs to grow, as they don't require much care and will bloom for months once they've been planted. The best part about daffodils is that you can plant them now, and they will be ready for spring, so you won't have to worry about getting everything else ready before these beautiful flowers show up!
10. Poinsettia
The poinsettia is another popular flower that blooms in the winter months (although not as early as daffodils). While they may look like Christmas decorations, they're actually a plant that blooms close to Christmas every year. If you want something festive and unique, then these are perfect for you!
Conclusion
It's always nice to have some color around on a dreary day, and growing your own plants gives you the chance to be creative. Try something new and create a unique garden where everyone is sure to enjoy the cheerful contrast of these 10 proven plants you can grow in your own garden this winter.