Fall 2024
Growing Winter Veggies on Patios
by David George
There is a crispness in the air, which means that autumn is right around the corner. Fall also marks the time when the growing season comes to an end across most of the US. But not in Contra Costa! We are blessed with a mild winter climate that allows us to grow delicious, healthy table vegetables throughout the winter months. Do you grow fall and winter veggies in your patio containers? You should! Here’s how.
- Preparation: Make sure that your container locations have full sun, even in the depths of winter. Shadows lengthen in winter months, and your winter veggies should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Pull out and compost your spent summer plantings, then add 1–2 inches of your new compost to each pot. Mix compost into the first several inches of existing soil. Be sure to check for clogged drain holes at the base, and if needed, clear them using a long tool like a screwdriver.
Typical Winter Veggie Containers. Photo courtesy of Rosalind Creasy - Planting: If you are planting seeds, start them in small starter pots for the first several weeks in a warm, shaded location. Make sure they receive water each day. When the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall, transplant them into their permanent location. Some seedlings like to be planted “deep”, while others prefer “shallow”. Read the instructions on the packet or ask your friendly garden center staff. Plant purchased seedlings within a few days since their roots grow very quickly in starter pots. If a fall heat spell occurs, you may need to protect your vulnerable seedlings with shade fabric for the first several weeks until the fall weather cools down to more normal temperatures for your location.
Winter Broccoli can be collected several times. Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock. - Watering and cold protection: Assuming a normal Central Contra Costa rainfall season, you’ll need to irrigate your veggies until about the end of November, or until we receive more regular rains. After that, only irrigate during prolonged winter dry spells of 2 weeks or more. If rainfall doesn’t reach your plants, water pots as needed. Check for oversaturated wet soil. Many winter veggie varieties can withstand below-freezing temperatures, but their ability to grow will slow down or stop during the cold. Don’t worry though, as their growth will pick up again with warmer temperatures. Protect leafy greens (lettuce and spinach) against cold nights with a frost blanket or another covering, as they can get frost burned.
- Veggie Choices: Favorites for more protected spots on your patio or in a window box are lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and garlic. Lettuce and spinach will continue to produce new edible leaves until the weather turns hot in the spring. Favorites for colder locations are butternut squash, broccoli, cauliflower, bunching onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sugar snap peas (with a climbing trellis). Harvest times and techniques vary, so do your research.
Butternut squash are excellent winter product. Photo courtesy Shutterstock
Winter vegetables are easy to grow in containers on sunny patios. And they are a healthy addition to your dinner table. For more information about growing winter veggies in containers in Contra Costa County, go to: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ccmg/files/172481.pdf.
Planting Dates for Winter Vegetables. Courtesy UCANR.