As the temperatures cool and the days get shorter, many gardeners assume that fresh lettuce belongs in summer. Truth be told, winter is one of the best times to grow hardy, nutrient-dense greens at home.
Crisp, radiant leaves can brighten up winter dishes while providing a steady source of vitamins and minerals. With the right varieties and a little care, you can enjoy homemade salads all season long.
What and how to grow winter greens
Not all salad greens survive cool weather, so choosing hardy or frost-hardy varieties is key. Here are some of the best vegetables for winter salads, along with easy tips for growing each one.
1. Salad
Winter lettuces, such as crumbly or red varieties, are slow-growing and can tolerate cool nights. They form compact heads or tender leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor perfect for fresh salads.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds in fertile and well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Plant 20-25cm apart to allow good air flow.
- Protect young seedlings with a thin layer of mulch or a light cloche during cold weather.
- Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.
2. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C and folate. Hardy varieties often produce sweeter, more tender leaves in light frosts or cooler nights.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds two to three centimeters deep in rows 20 cm apart.
- Keep the soil moist but well drained.
- Mulch with straw or organic matter to keep the heat around the roots.
- In very cold weather, plant the seeds in trays and transplant when the seedlings are strong.
- Harvest the outer leaves regularly, leaving the central ones to grow back.
3. Arugula (arugula)
Arugula adds spice to salads and grows quickly, making it ideal for re-sowing over the winter.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds in a thin layer in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Space the rows about 25cm apart.
- Protect from strong wind or severe frost with light covers.
- Sow every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Harvest the young leaves for the best flavor.
4. Mizuna
Mizuna, a feathery Japanese mustard, has a mild, slightly peppery flavor and thrives in cool weather – adding flavor and color to salads.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds directly into the well-prepared soil, spacing the rows 20-25 cm apart.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Use mulch or cover to protect seedlings from cold nights.
- First, the outer leaves are collected, allowing the central ones to grow.
- It can also be grown in pots or containers for balconies or terraces.
5. Mustard plants
Mustard gives a sharp, spicy taste to both salads and cooked dishes. They grow quickly and tolerate cool nights well.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds in a thin layer in fertile and well-drained soil.
- Plants are placed at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other.
- On cold nights, cover young seedlings with light mulch or protective sheets.
- Harvest the outer leaves gradually or cut the whole plant when it is fully mature.
6. Corn salad
Also known as lamb’s lettuce, corn lettuce produces small, rosette-shaped leaves with a sweet, nutty flavor that improves in cold weather. It is extremely frost-resistant and can remain in the soil for weeks.
How to grow:
- Sow the seeds in a thin layer in fertile and well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil constantly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch lightly to protect the roots and retain warmth.
- Harvest the outer leaves as needed, leaving the plants to regrow.
- Sow successively every few weeks for a continuous supply.
Tips for successfully growing winter salads
- Protection: Use light covers, covers or mulch to protect tender leaves from cold nights.
- Planting succession: Sow in small batches every two to three weeks for consistent yields.
- Soil fertility: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter.
- Watered: Keep the soil moist but well-drained to prevent root problems.
- Harvest: Collect the outer leaves regularly; cool nights often intensify the flavor and sweetness.
