Plant Salads Now for Winter!

[@lindabarcellos5643]

thank you for this BRILIANT post! So refreshing!

[@rebeccaedwards1880]

Your garden videos are the BEST! Watched lots of them for inspiration and advice, and keep meaning to say 'thank you'! They are informative (without getting boring), sharp, visual, clear and concise. Always my first 'go to' when I want sound advice without having to keep skipping sections. Really well done, I'm sure there's lots of prep to get such a smooth continuous output of relevant engaging KZbin videos 🙏

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Rebecca. That really means a lot, it really does. We do our best and it's so encouraging to have feedback like that - it means we're doing the right thing. So thank you for watching and I do hope you continue to enjoy our videos. :-)

[@debradevine3949]

Perfect timing as my daughter in law was just saying there wasn't anything she could grow in the winter. I didn't say a word and just shared this video. She is inspired. Thank you.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you've inspired her with this Debra, that's fab!

[@georgejacobs4665]

Great video! Don't forget turnip greens. Extremely hardy and abundant. Seven Top is the variety.

[@GrowVeg]

Brilliant suggestion George, thank you.

[@1stAmbientGrl]

I am covering my entire raised bed area (2 rows of 2' x 16' plus surrounding pathways) with 6-milimeter plastic for a temporary greenhouse. This will be my first attempt at growing some cooler weather veggies throughout the winter this way.

[@GrowVeg]

I'm sure that will make a superb temporary greenhouse.

[@klaussebok9398]

That sounds like a great idea. What about Friezee?

[@VaveeDances]

I’m here in the desert Southwest of the U.S. I have begun harvesting my winter salads as we speak. It is such a joy to have fresh, tasty greens throughout the winter months. As always, thank you for the wonderful content!

[@GrowVeg]

How fab to have started harvesting your winter salads - enjoy!

[@user-wc4cb2sk8d]

You are my all time FAVOURITE veg growing expert! Jujst love your short, concise, informative videos. Why are you not an international TV presenting superstar? Thank you (from an amateur grower).

[@GrowVeg]

Wow - that's very kind of you to say! Thanks so much for watching the videos. :-)

[@carolineowen7846]

To grow, 1. Winter lettuce (previously started indoors) & Rocket 6" apart - so 6 to a mushroom tray 2. Mustard & Mizuna 6 to a mushroom tray 3. Peashoots, soak seeds overnight to aide germination. 3seeds in each of 5 positions in the mushroom tray. Leave to grow to 8-10" high them trim the top 1/3 others ... Claytonia, miners lettuce, Mache / corn salad / lambs lettuce Thank you Ben, will definately give it a go, might even try some in my hanging baskets, as they get more sun :)

[@GrowVeg]

Wonderful idea to try them in hanging baskets Caroline - I think they'll look great that way also.

[@renebrown995]

Finally some 0lanting.made simple and explained thoroughly. Very good ideas even doable for people like me with no outside space.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Rene. Happy gardening!

[@suehunter5024]

I discovered growing winter salads in our small polytunnel a few years ago. Things which perform reliably here in southern England (roughly USDA Zone 8) in addition to the things you mentioned are spinach, land cress, a frisée endive and collard greens. By covering the ground with an extra layer of fleece I can steal an early crop of dwarf beans. I sow them on the windowsill indoors then transfer them to the polytunnel about 6 weeks before our last frost date.

[@GrowVeg]

Sounds like you're making the very most of things there Sue - great tip with the dwarf beans.

[@herbandspicekitchen]

I'm just getting into growing my own food wasn't sure what I could grow at this time of year. This video definitely helps. Thank you for sharing.

[@laurieanne9712]

I am growing the peas albeit outdoors, since we can be mild still, even to early winter-carrots, spring mix, kale & cabbage round out the lot. I learn something from you every time! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching Laurie. It sounds like some lovely stuff you've got growing there.

[@growyourvegetablekitchen2818]

. Now you give me a very good idea, what to use and grow for this winter. Pea shoots and lettuce my favourites. Thank your so much for sharing 😊🌱

[@GrowVeg]

You're very welcome - I hope things grow beautifully for you this winter.

[@RCPrepping]

Here in central Florida I am able to grow salad greens in my garden from October through February. This video is excellent for growing options in much colder climates. I appreciate your time and effort in making educational videos.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching the videos Roland - it's appreciated.

[@smsfmastergardeners]

Timely information even for the San Francisco Bay Area! Seedlings are now up for snow peas, Russian kale, dinosaur kale, tree collards, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccollini, radishes, cilantro, parsley, walking onions, and malabar spinach. And just planted garlic yesterday. Love this fall cooler weather!

[@GrowVeg]

Oh wow - that's such a fantastic list of crops. I've seen malabar spinach growing here in the UK too but haven't tried it myself - will put it no next year's list.

[@Beaguins]

I grow quite a variety of greens and microgreens over winter. My favorite for taste is broad bean shoots. I also love to grow mustards to put in sandwiches. Growing mustards inside is the only way I can get a decent crop, because they always bolt outside. Enjoyed your video!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for that. I've not tried broad bean shoots I have to confess, so will give those a go also, thank you.

[@denisebrady6858]

I have some of those trays so I am going to try this tomorrow- Thanks Ben.

[@beatricebrown8221]

I have some Mizuna, Arugula and Peas. I also have some Japanese turnips that I hope will do well. Thanks for the tips on containers.

[@ThorneyRose]

I love silver beet (Swiss chard) . Thank you for sharing your expertise. My father was a talented vegetable Gardner and I wish so much that I had bothered to learn from him. Your videos are informative and helpful. You are a natural at this and the videos are a joy to watch. Thank you. 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Rosie and Omega! :-)

[@pfirsch77]

I love radish leaves in salads.

[@toniedalton5448]

There are loads of old windows around the farm. I’m going to try a cold frame. If it ever stops raining here, lol

[@GrowVeg]

That cold frame will also help to keep things a bit drier! Good luck with your projects.

[@pheart2381]

Ive just put a cold frame on my tiny balcony.

[@ninclarke1357]

Thank you 😊

[@GreenSideUp]

My favourite winter lettuce is Red Grenoble, closely followed by a similar variety Huile d' winter. I do the same as you and sow and grow in mushroom crates, but I broadcast sow salad mixes every two weeks for as long as I can get them to germinate, already started mine off a week ago. I also grow lettuce varieties in the ground too, along with Pak chois, Mizunas, Kommatsuna, Spinach. New for this year I am growing microgreens properly as opposed to just sowing radish or brassicas into mushroom trays, I'm really looking forward to those...Steve...😃

[@GrowVeg]

Wow Steve - that's a fantastic mix of leaves. Microgreens are huge fun to grow - so quick and satisfying.

[@tasgardener7923]

It's interesting as all those things I generally only grow in the winter here and all out in the garden. I don't get snow where I am (but it snows 20 minutes up the road from me) but do get very cold temperatures and heavy frost here and mine all do just fine outside and then go to seed as spring hits and it starts to warm up. I plant peas on the first of sept which is the first day of spring for us. They do just fine in the frost but I time them so they don't flower when we still get frost as the pods won't set if the frost touches the flower.

[@GrowVeg]

Great that you're able to grow them outside like that. Where I am it can be the persistent rain that does as much harm as a cold snap.

[@tasgardener7923]

@@GrowVeg yes the rain can be a problem here for them in winter too but it's been pretty good these last couple of winters. Can't say much for our spring this year. If the constant rain don't stop soon my garlic will rot in the ground. It's been so wet this spring

[@Rainbowgrrl]

@@tasgardener7923 here in perth too, and the wettest july on record!

[@petrkopac]

Wow, eating pea shoots, I didn't know that was a thing. Maybe a good idea to consider is making my new raised garden bed ready for a plexiglass cold frame 🤔

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that would be a very smart move. :-)

[@klaussebok9398]

My favourite winter salad is corn salad followed by friezes

[@angieforton8297]

My 13 yrs old & I are tucking in kale, chard, spinach & bok choy in our homemade greenhouse. Worried about the Michigan winter ahead... hoping for the best

[@GrowVeg]

The Michigan winter I imagine is very severe. Enjoy the fresh greens while you can and know there'll be more to come by early spring.

[@gedhuffadine1873]

Is Michigan cold in witer?

[@joannathesinger770]

@@gedhuffadine1873 YES!!! It's just south of the Canadian border AND on the Great Lakes, so it gets a double whammy during winter. It can get to -40 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. Add in wind chill factor, and that adds yet more to the cold.

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you : )

[@katherinewright7963]

I've got rocket in a wicker basket, lettuce outside, spinach, cos, and salad leaves in the green house. I've picked 3 large bags this morning!

[@GrowVeg]

Oh wow Katherine - you're well ahead there. Nice one!

[@NewMindGarden]

Fabulous video.. 🌷🌷

[@deliachitts1964]

Hi when I plant my seedlings, I sprinkle cinnamon on top of the soil. It seems to help with mildew and some bugs. Thank you for this very informative video.

[@GrowVeg]

Great tip, thanks for sharing.

[@smellyelle8422]

I wish I had only half your talent for growing Ben😊 I've learned a lot of lessons this year - my first attempt at growing some food. One rocket plant I gave up on, chucked it in on some soil, seems to be thriving without me tending it every day. It's now bordering on mini Triffid status. I haven't dared to eat the leaves for fear of it kicking back at me😅 Love your enthusiasm, and well executed videos Ben - keep them coming👌

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much for watching. Believe me, gardening is very much a learning journey and the more you learn - the more you realise there's still so much to learn! Keep enjoying it though. :-)

[@smellyelle8422]

@@GrowVeg Thanks Ben! You're a star helping encourage all us newbies to keep on planting. Looking forward to your next vid 😊🌱

[@yaneejitkaeo]

Thank you very much for useful video, I grow pak choi and kale in the winter 👍

[@GrowVeg]

Lovely stuff Yanee!

[@B3RG3RS0N]

List of plants in description would be nice. Great video. Thank You

[@GrowVeg]

Winter salads planted include winter lettuce, mustard, mizuna and pea shoots.

[@janw491]

It’s a bit of a challenge in Ontario but you can do a few things

[@lynnelott5374]

I'd like to try spinach. I think I have peas leftover from spring. I'll get those soaking

[@inc7229]

very helpful video! thank you!

[@user-bc4gl2gm2n]

❤️

[@conniegal201]

Great info! Do you happen to have a video showing how to put together a simple hothouse? I have 5 waist-size containers, quite deep, that I would like to cover so I can start putting to use all of your excellent tips.

[@GrowVeg]

We don't have a video specifically on making a hothouse, but we do have videos on making a cold frame (using a kit) and also a simple mini hoop house tunnel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqKuYXuaj6ufg8U

[@AtheistEve]

I must get my garlic in. 😮

[@GrowVeg]

Watch out for our video on garlic later this week!

[@edwardvergara5642]

Lettuce in winter, sounds like a great idea. Should the seeds be started indoors? Thank you for your help.

[@GrowVeg]

It depends on where you are. Here in the UK they are best started off under cover to move things along quickly. It may be a bit late to sow here now, but you can buy young plug plants still.

[@edwardvergara5642]

Thank you for answering. I am in Springfield, Missouri. Your answer it's timely. No doubt you videos and teaching are very much to the point and very instructive. Thank you

[@Rainbowgrrl]

@@GrowVeg ohhhh you’re in the uk-I had wondered where you were based. We can grow lettuce all year round in perth Western Australia! (Although they wilt a bit in the peak of summer)

[@gedhuffadine1873]

Go to supermarket buy some dried Batchelor peas, 50 p sprinkle on compost lightly cover pea sprouts in 10 days, 5 or 6 in 1 pack for seccecion sowings

[@gedhuffadine1873]

Ha posted too quick

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, this is a great tip and I've seen others do this. I'm going to get me some for my next trays. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@songmsk8738]

Is your greenhouse heated? Just wondering, cause I’m in NY-USA and I’m growing stuff in cold unheated Gh. Just wondering how to compare. Really enjoy your videos!

[@KirstenMawle]

kale, broccoli, boc choi radish

[@TheExcetto]

Reine DES GLACES is the best winter lettuce

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the recommendation. :-)

[@cjjjj7163]

BEAUTIFULL LOVE IT CAN I PLANT THEM ON BALCONY

[@GrowVeg]

Yes you can - make sure they have plenty of light.

[@cjjjj7163]

@@GrowVeg THANKS

[@laurajaneogilvy3477]

What about Spinach and other leafy vegetables that aren’t under the umbrella of Salad?

[@GrowVeg]

You could probably grow hardy varieties of spinach like this too I reckon, yes. Also many herbs, like cilantro/coriander.

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

I live in a cold climate of Oregon . We’ve already had a few frosts . Should I start the salad greens under grow lights and then transplant them outside to my cold frame ? Do I leave them in containers in the cold frame ? Or plant directly in the ground ? How do I know what temperature to prop open the lid of the cold frame , and when to keep it closed ( I’m afraid the glass will cook them during the day ?) Thank you for your help ! I love your program!

[@GrowVeg]

It may now be a bit late to start salads for growing outdoors in your climate. I would look to grow some choice leaves under your grow lights. You could then move them outside into containers in early spring, once day length improves and it is a little less frosty. You should then get a good growth spurt until they finally flower in mid to late spring. Prop open the glass on most days - or you could even leave it open on all the time time, shutting it on only the coldest nights.

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

Thank you so much for answering my questions! I really appreciate your help!

[@earthwind2401]

Quick question (I'm looking for winter lettuce that don't form a head) : what is the exact variety you planted into those mushroom crates ?

[@GrowVeg]

It's a lettuce called 'Winter Density' - very hardy.

[@PunchbuggyBlue]

I'm curious if the pea shoots can be planted in the spring for growing peas.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you can plant out the clusters of pea shoots and they should give peas in spring/early summer.

[@alisonburden223]

If we haven’t had the foresight to raise plants, is it better to sow salad leaves, then transplant, or just to sow seeds in situ?

[@Beaguins]

I recommend sowing in situ. Prepare a tray so that it will accommodate the plants for their whole life (deeper soil, better fertility), and give the plants plenty of space. If you're doing microgreens instead, you can have shallow seed-starting mix, because the plants won't be around long. Spacing will also be far less for microgreens. That's my advice, anyway. Others may do things differently.

[@alisonburden223]

@@Beaguins thank you for this. I just wanted clarification on the best way to get a good crop.

[@GrowVeg]

You can sow direct into the tray or in trays/pots to transplant. The advantage of the latter is purely space saving, and so you can have the exact final spacings when you come to plant them.

[@alisonburden223]

@@GrowVeg Thanks for the reply. I’ll give both a try !

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Can you eat the leaves of any pea variety? Thanks for this video.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you can eat the leaves of any edible pea variety. For pea shoots, try the taller growing varieties - they will be more vigorous and should produce more pea shoots therefore.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

@@GrowVeg Thanks.

[@jacquicobban4623]

This is such a helpful video, but I'd never use newspaper because of the toxic ink on it.

[@GrowVeg]

Most newspaper ink is soybean based these days, so does rot down harmlessly.

[@Nitecrow314]

This could be a dumb question, but if the pea plants were planted out in the spring - would they produce peas? 🤔

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, if you plant peas out in spring they should produce peas that same summer.

[@Nitecrow314]

@@GrowVeg Cool 😎, and thanks for your reply!

[@gilbertlamont1110]

Jamie Oliver one pan

[@kriswalter560]

What make and model watering can are you using in the video?

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Kris. I'm not sure I have to confess (it's quite old). But I can tell you it is 10 litres in capacity, with a detachable rose.

[@nathanpickett7224]

Hi Ben. I've noticed there are a few trees around your growing area. I have the same sort of garden that I have just moved to. How much sunlight do you get per day?

[@GrowVeg]

It varies a lot according to the time of year etc. But the top raised beds get maybe four to seven hours a day on a sunny day, while the beds by the greenhouse get a little less. The second area doesn't maybe grow quite as fast, but still worthwhile crops from it.

[@nathanpickett7224]

@@GrowVeg thanks Ben!

[@brendapettus9208]

I am interested in growing veggies during the winter, but keep bumping up against the same problem. I need to use containers, growing the plants indoors. However, it seems anything not grown directly in the ground is dependent on plastics of one sort or another. Plastics are problematic in relation to human health, releasing hazardous chemicals into their surrounding environment (though some more slowly than others). I don't really want to grow the foods I eat in a medium that’s been exposed to plastics. Can you suggest affordable containers that don't rely on them?

[@GrowVeg]

There are obviously terracotta and earthenware pots. You could try salvaging those - or similar items. I've always enjoyed growing in old Belfast sinks, but there aren't practical for indoors. Perhaps you could try using old kitchen items such as saucepans etc.? These could work. I've seen salads grown in strainers/colanders, which look great too.

[@brendapettus9208]

@@GrowVeg Sinks?! Salvaged sinks could be a great solution. Thank you.

[@jackyowens1349]

Is your green house heated and where in the country do you grow?

[@GrowVeg]

My greenhouse isn't heated. I'm in north-west Oxfordshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. We're quite high up here, so are colder than the surrounding area.

[@davelittlehale6862]

Hey Ben, haven't been able to find the answer to this so I'm hoping you can help. I brought in some lettuce (leaf and romaine) and spinach seedlings that were outdoors and put them under growlights I've used successfully to start my seedlings. The lights were on 16 hrs like I had used them for seedlings. The leaves that grew were very short and seem thicker. Any ideas as to what is causing this? I've cut back on the length of the photoperiod; I think I'm at 8 - 10 hrs. The bulbs are 2 - 3 years old. Color temperature shift of the bulbs? I'd like to figure this out as I've started some red leaf lettuce to provide some contrast as the mixes from the grocery store don't hold up well. Thank you for any advice you can provide.

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Dave. That's a bit of a mystery to me if I'm honest. Lettuce seems to grow really well from spring onwards, so I think so long as they have 8+ hours of daylight a day they should be fine. Perhaps 16 hours was too long and dropping down to around 12 would help? Also, I wonder if bringing them in disturbed their growth pattern. Perhaps starting new spinach and lettuce off from seed under the grow lights would help.

[@gilbertlamont1110]

Jamie Oliver one pan meal

[@shearer117]

I have a greenhouse and have tried several times to grow lettuce and other greens in the winter, but the aphids always take over and suck the life out of them. Ben, what do you recommend for aphid control?

[@GrowVeg]

What a shame Kathy. Check out our video on dealing with aphids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boaskHWjZcaHopI

[@shearer117]

@@GrowVeg Thanks for the video tips, Ben. I will try these. Row covers may be the easiest, but I wonder if they will block out too much of the weak winter light?

[@meredith3588]

I did not know you could eat the greens of peas. I planted snow peas but so far no peas, are you saying I can eat the leaves or are pea shoots something different? Learn something new everyday. Don't know why this never dawned on me.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, you can absolutely eat the leaves/pea shoots - even of snow peas. They're delicious!

[@meredith3588]

@@GrowVeg Thanks

[@anneholck4838]

Is it too late to sow now?

[@beefandchicken]

It's never too late...

[@GrowVeg]

It depends where you are. I would suggest it's too late to sow most salads here in the UK, though you might get away with pea shoots and - at the moment at least - other salads due to the mild winter. If you've left it a bit late, you can find plug plants ready to plant for sale, including online.

[@anneholck4838]

@@GrowVeg thank you 😊 I live in Denmark qnd lightwise its as norhtly as UK. Have a nice day. Best regards A

[@shelleyjones8552]

its now the 17th October, is it too late for me to sow salads now? i did start earlier but they all got slugged :(

[@GrowVeg]

It depends where you are. Here in the UK I would say it's probably too late to grow them from seed, but you can still buy ready-to-plant plugs of salad leaves, which should establish just fine before it gets cold.

[@phonplanchannel5853]

Use so many water they not dead

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, don't over water the salads in the winter - you want to keep the potting mix just moist.

[@phonplanchannel5853]

Thank you

[@manchu6005]

Ive not been fortunate to grow anything outside in the KS winter. It just curls up and dies.🇺🇸⚔🇬🇪

[@GrowVeg]

Sorry to hear that. Is it a particularly harsh winter so far?

[@beejereeno2]

Being able to pick leaves for 3 weeks and then that's it...is not the length of winter. Misleading.

[@GrowVeg]

Sorry, there might be some confusion in what I was saying. You can pick plenty of leaves through the autumn/fall. They will then slow right down in the winter, but will continue to give a few leaves here and there throughout the winter, depending on how warm it is. In a greenhouse, and in a typical British winter, I'd expect a few leaves from each plant every few weeks. They'll then pick up again from late winter - around mid February where I am. So leaves in winter, yes.

[@matthewpaulwark3251]

i'm wearing jeans and t shirt in my greenhouse i will take off my t shirt see my belly button and my nipples and my hairy armpits and i like walking around the green house with no t shirt i put my hands in my pockets in my jeans i went to the park i took off my t shirt see my belly button and my nipples and my hairy armpits i went walking in the sunshine with no t shirt see my belly button and my hairy nipples and my hairy armpits i go the garden centre and i go the stones by the water and i dry my feet with my towel i put my socks back on and my trainers on i took off my t shirt see my belly button and my nipples and my hairy armpits and my tounge out it's so wet i move it i went to the woods i had picnic for my lunch i lay my food out my drink after lunch i went for a walk i took photo of the very old church and i took photo of the glass window's after i had my walk i went back to change my muddy boots i put my trainers back on i put my muddy boots in my bag too take home i got in my car it was very warm i took off my t shirt see my belly button and my nipples and my hairy armpits after i did shopping to food for the weekend i got nice meat and bread milk and puddings and rolls ice cream i put my shopping away after i went sat on the bench i took off my t shirt i put my feet cross i just love walking with no t shirt see my belly button and my nipples and my hairy armpits

[@debfryer2437]

I’ve been following you for years and love your channel but I have to disagree. Salad greens grow in summer for a reason. They are to cool you down. Eating salad in the cold winter thins and cools the blood and makes us colder. Greens of all kinds, even kale, are summer foods meant to cool the blood. In the winter we need foods that grow deep in the ground. These thicken and warm the blood and grow naturally into the cold of winter so we can leave them in the ground and harvest as needed or store in a cool place. Shoots shoot upwards in spring because that’s the time we need to be eating them. Energy jumps upwards in spring and so do the foods we need so we can jump up and have energy to get back to the hard work of growing and building and creating. It’s just commonsense. Eat in season for a stronger body and mind.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for that Deb. Interesting theory there. I just find eating lots of greens year round gives me energy, and I've only heard good things about more leaves in our diet. But, of course, always open to other research on this. I do love a well-loaded salad in winter also.

[@debfryer2437]

@@GrowVeg Thanks I just love watching and listening to you. I’m from Yorkshire but live in Arizona. It’s great to hear British accents! I recommend the book The Three Season Diet which is an Ayurvedic approach to seasonal eating. The theory behind it is first - that there are different bugs in every plant meant to enhance the gut microbiome and eating a wide variety of plants helps strengthen our health. Second is that different foods are digested better at different times of the year. Third different flavors are important at different seasons. All of this is to strengthen and enhance digestion so that as we age we can continue eating a wide range of foods and have the digestive capability to convert them to energy. For example. Field Mushrooms are available all year round in grocery stores but as we know they grow in the spring primarily and they don’t have a long life. Spring is the rainy season preparing the land to absorb and sow new seeds. These mushrooms are to help our bodies repel excess water and cleanse the kidneys and liver in preparation for the lighter summer foods. Mushrooms are dry and wick water away from themselves in the field. So eating them in summer and autumn when our bodies are drying out can cause problems with serious dehydration. Hence much of our food in summer is juicy, sweet and ripened on the vine or bush or tree so we don’t have to use fire as much. They are cooling. 🪴