8 Greens Can be Grown In a Pot Through The Winter

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from enjoying fresh garden produce! Winter gardening brings the advantage of avoiding summer bugs and plant diseases. Winter greens are excellent choices for producing fresh vegetables in chilly conditions. They are not only easy to grow but can also be harvested leaf by leaf to enhance your winter meals.

The main challenge in growing greens during winter is the reduced light and low temperatures. In colder areas, protecting your plants from the cold while ensuring they receive enough sunlight is crucial. One solution is to cultivate greens in pots on a south-facing windowsill. The following greens can be successfully grown in pots throughout the winter.

#8 Greens You Can Grow All Winter:

Pea Greens
Mache
Land Cress
Mizuna
Sorrel
Salad Burnet
Agretti
Fennel

#What You’ll Need To Grow Winter Greens:

High-quality Potting Soil: Selecting a nutrient-rich potting soil is essential for the successful growth of winter greens. Ensure it provides good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Containers: You can use a variety of containers for your winter greens, such as planters, pots, or even repurposed empty cans and jars. Choose containers that suit the size and quantity of the greens you plan to grow.
Seeds: Acquire high-quality seeds of the winter greens you’ve selected. Ensure the seeds are suitable for container gardening and follow the recommended planting instructions on the seed packets.
A Sunny Spot: Identify a sunny location for your winter greens. If you have a south-facing window, the area near that window will receive the most sunlight and be the warmest in your home. This optimal light exposure is crucial for the growth and development of your winter greens. If natural light is limited, consider using supplemental grow lights to ensure your greens receive adequate illumination.

#1. Austrian Winter Pea Greens:

These greens are simple to grow and can withstand cold weather. During winter, the pea plant won’t produce peas due to reduced sunlight, but you can still enjoy the pea flavor of shoots and tendrils. The greens have a sweet taste similar to sugar snap peas, with a lettuce-like texture. via iamcountryside.com and growjourney.com

#2. Mache (Corn Salad)

Mache, a tender salad green, thrives in cool weather and doesn’t require winter protection in Zone 9b. There are two basic varieties – large-seeded and small-seeded. Small-seeded types are better suited to colder temperatures. via savvygardening.com and farmtheworld.org

#3. Land Cress

A hardy perennial, Land Cress is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Its peppery leaves make a tasty addition to mixed salads. Similar to watercress in appearance and flavor, Land Cress grows in the soil like other salad vegetables. via granthamgarden.org and gardeningknowhow.com

#4. Mizuna

An Asian mustard green perfect for salads or mesclun mixes, Mizuna grows independently through winter cold. It’s also suitable for pot cultivation on a windowsill or in trays for micro-greens. via harvesttotable.com and stuff.co.nz

#5. Sorrel

A cool-season perennial with a fresh, lemony taste, Sorrel complements salads and can be used in creamy soups. Once established, it’s a hardy plant requiring minimal care beyond watering and weeding. via wikihow.com and thisnzlife.co.nz

#6. Salad Burnet

An attractive perennial with a hint of melon and cucumber flavor, Salad Burnet is easy to grow and suitable for herb gardens or windowsills. It can thrive through mild winters. via capegazette.com

#7. Agretti

An annual herb resembling chives, Agretti has a salty and bitter taste. Often used fresh in salads with garlic and olive oil, it can grow in salty soils where other plants struggle. Image Source: sweetapricots.com via plantinstructions.com and theunconventionalgardener.com

#8. Fennel

‘Grosfruchtiger’ Fennel: This non-bulbing fennel type is grown for its sweet and tender leaves. The leaves are a delightful addition to salads, coleslaw, and dressings.

By planting these winter greens in pots, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful additions to your meals even in colder months.