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One thing people get wrong about gardening is they often think that there’s only one time of year to plant crops: the warm summer months. While that’s the case for certain produce that mainly thrive in hotter temperatures (i.e., tomatoes, melons, and corn), it’s not the case for all fruits and vegetables.
In fact, a lot of produce can be grown all year round and, with the proper care, turn out just as delicious as summer crops. You might be thinking, how can this be with the air being significantly colder (depending on your location) in the winter months? Well, many crops prefer cooler temperatures, making the colder months the ideal time for maturity.
We’ve rounded up 12 fruits and vegetables that can be grown any time of year based on information from expert gardeners and expert information from Nature’s Path Organic Foods. We also included the process to ensure a flourishing garden no matter the weather.
Carrots
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Although carrots are in season in late spring and fall, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to only growing them during that time. Carrots are root vegetables like beets, turnips, parsnips, and rutabaga and can be produced well in cooler weather.
Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery in Altamont, Tennessee, agrees that carrots can develop in most weather conditions. “Carrots are quick-growing and can live with cooler soil without needing any protection,” she told Backyard Garden Lover.
“Their seeds need to be planted in loose soil that is well-draining, and you should avoid overcrowding because their roots need plenty of space,” Sons suggests.
Kale
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Another crop that blooms any time of year is kale. It’s generally sown annually, and the process is incredibly simple, especially for those newer to gardening. You can scatter seeds in late August, and it will still produce hardy leaves throughout the winter and spring.
While kale grows best in the spring and fall, it can prosper in colder temperatures, even as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s less receptive to heat, but growing indoors is always an option.
Asparagus
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Moving onto another popular veggie that many people crave all year round: asparagus. Those who love this green plant will be happy to hear it can be grown anytime.
The roots luckily survive throughout the winter and produce new shoots in the spring, giving you healthy asparagus twelve months a year.
“Asparagus is a perennial crop and thrives annually once established,” Sons revealed, adding, “They need to be planted in well-draining soil and mulched to retain moisture.”
However, she also noted that “overharvesting asparagus should be completely avoided, and the ferns should be allowed to grow for the root system to be healthy.”
Peaches
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If you’ve dreamed of having peaches not just when they’re in season (late May to early August), you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the fruit can be grown any time. You can actually plant an entire peach tree in colder temperatures, and it will still flourish.
Although peaches taste best and are more cost-effective to grow while in season, you can harvest them in early spring after the last frost to protect them for winter and prune them annually for optimal results.
Oranges
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There are so many different kinds of oranges that it makes sense that they’re available any time of year and can be grown in various weather conditions. Knowing which types of oranges you’d like to plant is essential in understanding when they’re in season.
For instance, tangerines are in season around Thanksgiving, while navel oranges are typically between December and March. In areas where the winter is milder, you can plant an array of oranges that mature at different times to ensure you always have fresh fruits to choose from.
Radishes
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Radishes can be grown year-round in gardens, greenhouses, or containers in many climates. They succeed in mild conditions but do well if the soil is consistently moist.
There are even radishes specific for wintertime that you can keep in the ground during the colder months, like watermelon radishes, black Spanish radishes, Japanese long scarlet radishes, and Chinese Shawo fruit radishes.
Just be sure to pull them before the ground freezes, or you can store them in a fridge or cool room for months until they’re ready to eat.
Grapes
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While grapes generally bloom in the spring and summer, dying off in the colder months, they can still be harvested nearly any time of year. However, knowing how to care for them is the trick to getting the most out of your grapevines.
“Grapes are extremely hardy, especially in greenhouses,” Sons revealed about the sweet tart-tasting fruit. “They should be trained to grow on a trellis and pruned annually to promote good airflow.”
Sons also noted that grapes don’t fare well in “overly wet conditions” and stressed the importance of checking on them regularly to inhibit mildew and fungal diseases.
Eggplant
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Eggplants are often treated as annual plants, though they are sensitive to the colder air. However, you can start by planting seeds indoors first (about eight to nine weeks before the last spring frost) and transplant them into your garden.
Be sure not to plant them in your garden until after the last frost to avoid stunting your eggplant’s growth, but they will be perfectly fine afterward.
Avocado
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Guacamole lovers rejoice because avocado production isn’t limited to only one time of year. The tasty fruit is available year-round, but the season varies by region.
For instance, avocado season in California typically lasts from March to September, peaking from April to August, while in Mexico, the peak season is from October to February. They’re not the easiest fruit to grow, as they are prone to root problems, but it is possible to have prospering avocados throughout the year, just as long as you properly care for them.
Cucumbers
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Cucumbers are the hydrating veggie everyone loves in their salad or on a vegetable platter at parties. And good news for those who adore snacking on the green plant: it can be grown year-round.
The ideal growing conditions for cucumbers are in a greenhouse with plenty of warmth, water, and light. They don’t particularly do well in the cold, so keeping soil temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit is preferred. Covering them with frost blankets for protection from the frost is also recommended.
Strawberries
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Although many people enjoy the strawberry festivals usually held in the spring, gardeners can have fun with these fruits any time of year. Strawberries can be grown year-round, though indoors or in greenhouses are the ideal environment.
This also offers advantages as it protects your strawberries from birds, hail, and other outside elements that could affect your crops. Keep in mind that without bees and other pollinators, you’ll have to pollinate these on your own.
Lemons
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Another fruit we typically think of as a summertime treat that can be grown year-round is lemons. This delicious sour fruit can be produced anytime, and lemon trees can even be grown in your basement, garage, or greenhouse.
Lemon trees are at their peak from November to April, letting you savor a cold glass of lemonade whenever your heart desires. A helpful tip: “Avoid placing them in a space with cold drafts,” Sons warned. “This can cause leaf drop!”
There are countless fruits and vegetables that we don’t have to wait until certain times of year to grow. With the appropriate setup and treatment, you can enjoy many colorful produce any time you crave, so why not start now?
