Grow Greens Year-Round: Vertical Gardening for Fall & Winter Harvests

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Imagine this: a crisp autumn evening, a warm, cozy kitchen, and a vibrant salad made entirely from greens you harvested just minutes before. While your neighbors are lamenting the end of their summer gardens, you're still enjoying fresh, homegrown goodness. The fading glory of the summer garden can feel like a real loss, but it doesn't have to be!

Vertical gardening offers a fantastic solution for extending your harvest and savoring fresh, healthy greens throughout the cooler months. It's a space-saving, accessible way to garden that provides a continuous supply of delicious produce. Did you know, even a small vertical garden can significantly reduce your grocery bill and your reliance on store-bought greens?

In this post, we'll provide you with practical tips and step-by-step guidance to create your own vertical garden for cool-season greens, ensuring a bountiful harvest even when the weather turns cold. Get ready to embrace year-round gardening!

Choosing the Right Location & Vertical Structure

The secret to a thriving vertical garden lies in strategic placement and a well-suited structure. Think about providing the best possible microclimate for your plants.

• Sunlight is Key: Even as the days shorten, cool-season greens still need ample sunlight to flourish. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing location is ideal, as it provides the most sun exposure during the fall and winter. If direct sunlight is limited, consider supplementing with grow lights.

• Shelter from the Elements: Protection from harsh winds and frost is crucial. Position your vertical garden against a wall, under an overhang, or in a sheltered corner of your porch. For particularly cold nights, you can use row covers or plastic sheeting to provide extra insulation. I remember one year, a sudden frost threatened my entire lettuce crop. Thankfully, a simple sheet draped over the vertical planter saved the day!

• Vertical Structure Options: The beauty of vertical gardening is its versatility. You can choose from a wide range of structures, depending on your space, budget, and aesthetic preferences:

  • Repurposed Pallets: A rustic and budget-friendly option. Make sure to use pallets that haven't been treated with harmful chemicals.
  • Tiered Planters: Available in various sizes and materials, tiered planters offer a visually appealing and space-efficient way to grow multiple greens.
  • Hanging Planters: Perfect for smaller spaces and adding a touch of charm. Choose sturdy hangers and well-draining pots.
  • Stacked Planters: Ideal for maximizing vertical space, stacked planters allow you to grow a large quantity of greens in a small footprint.
  • DIY Trellises: Build your own trellises from wood or metal and train climbing greens like spinach or Swiss chard.
  • Pocket Planters: Felt or fabric pockets attached to a frame.

• Farmhouse Style: Consider the aesthetic appeal of your vertical garden. Using reclaimed wood for your pallet planter or choosing terracotta pots for your hanging baskets can complement a farmhouse-style home.

• Accessibility is Key: Whatever structure you choose, make sure it's easy to water, harvest, and maintain. Think about the height and reachability of the plants.

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Vertical gardening means you can grow a huge garden within easy reach.

Selecting the Perfect Cool-Season Greens

Not all greens are created equal when it comes to cool-season gardening. Choose varieties that can tolerate cooler temperatures and shorter days.

• Top Cool-Season Choices:

  • Lettuce: 'Winter Density,' 'Black Seeded Simpson,' and 'Buttercrunch' are reliable choices.
  • Spinach: 'Winter Bloomsdale' and 'Tyee' are known for their cold hardiness.
  • Kale: 'Lacinato' (dinosaur kale) and 'Red Russian' are both flavorful and visually appealing.
  • Arugula: Adds a peppery kick to salads and thrives in cool weather.
  • Mustard Greens: Offer a spicy flavor and are packed with nutrients.
  • Swiss Chard: 'Bright Lights' is a colorful variety that adds beauty to your garden.
  • Asian Greens: Mizuna and Pak Choi are fast-growing and flavorful additions to any salad.

• Days to Maturity: Pay attention to the "days to maturity" listed on seed packets. Choose varieties with shorter maturity times to ensure a harvest before the coldest part of winter.

• Succession Planting: Extend your harvest by sowing seeds every few weeks. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the season.

• Climate Considerations: Research which varieties are best suited to your specific climate. Your local extension office can provide valuable information on recommended varieties for your region.

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Cool-season greens love vertical gardening, making growing easy.

Soil, Planting, and Watering for Vertical Success

A healthy foundation is essential for a thriving vertical garden. Pay attention to the soil, planting techniques, and watering strategies.

• Soil Preparation: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for containers. Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact and drain poorly in containers. Adding compost to your potting mix will provide essential nutrients and improve drainage.

• Planting Techniques: You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or direct sow them into your vertical planters. When planting, ensure proper spacing to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.

• Watering Wisely: Vertical gardens tend to dry out faster than traditional gardens, so regular watering is crucial. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure your containers have drainage holes. Soil compaction can impede drainage, so ensure the soil remains loose.

• Fertilizing Gently: Cool-season greens benefit from regular feeding with a gentle organic fertilizer. Fish emulsion is an excellent choice, providing essential nutrients without burning the plants.

• Mulching Matters: A layer of mulch (such as straw or wood chips) on top of the soil helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

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Vertical gardening requires the same nutrients and loving care.

Protecting Your Vertical Garden from Cold and Pests

Even with careful planning, your vertical garden may face challenges from cold weather and pests.

• Frost Protection: When frost is predicted, take steps to protect your plants. Cover them with row covers or plastic sheeting. Moving containers to a more sheltered location, such as a garage or porch, can also provide added protection. A cold frame offers an additional level of insulation. I used to worry a lot about cold weather, but after a few years, it's easy to recognize when and how to protect.

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Winter is harsh, so garden protection is crucial.

• Pest Patrol: Monitor your plants regularly for pests such as aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or handpicking. Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to help control pest populations.

• Snow Removal: Heavy snowfall can damage vertical structures. Brush snow off plants and support structures to prevent breakage.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Cool-Season Greens

The best part of vertical gardening is the delicious harvest!

• Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest your greens using the "cut-and-come-again" method. Snip off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This allows you to enjoy a continuous harvest over several weeks.

• Proper Storage: Store harvested greens in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. To keep them fresh for longer, wrap them in a damp paper towel.

• Recipe Inspiration: Enjoy your homegrown greens in salads, sandwiches, soups, and stir-fries. A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a delicious way to showcase the fresh flavors of your harvest. I've found that adding just a little bit of balsamic vinegar can really bring out the flavors.

Emphasize the superior taste and nutrition of homegrown greens compared to store-bought. Nothing beats the flavor of freshly picked lettuce!

Embrace the Year-Round Garden

As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, don't let your gardening enthusiasm fade away. Embrace the possibilities of vertical gardening and cool-season greens. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy fresh, healthy food, a connection to nature, and a rewarding gardening experience, even in the colder months. Gardening doesn't have to end with summer!

August is the best month to plant in order to get a head start on the fall frost.

Now it's your turn!

What are your favorite cool-season greens to grow? Have you tried vertical gardening before? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to share photos of your vertical gardens on social media using #BHHVerticalHarvest and #BetterHomesHarvest.

For more in-depth information, download our free "Cool-Season Vertical Gardening Cheat Sheet" [link to download]. And be sure to check out our other articles on the Better Homes and Harvests website for more gardening inspiration. You can also show off your garden by posting in our gardening forum.