Fall/Winter gardening - What can I grow?

[sumi]

Educate this southern hemisphere (VERY mild winter) native, please.

I'm itching to get some vegetables going in the newly cleared space in my backyard. Not too much for now, just something, and was wondering what I can grow this time of the year? Ireland's winters are fair mild, though this specific area I hear usually gets some snow over winter, but probably not until January or thereabouts. We can expect heavy frost in the meantime though. I don't have tunnels or anything fancy, but if needed can get some plastic sheets to cover plants overnight.

Back in S.A. we had moderate frost overnight and that was about as bad as it got and even that didn't happen too often. We grew cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peas and broad beans over winter. So I'm thinking something along those lines? I can't get seed for much else easily, like squashes etc.

 

[NH Homesteader]

You can always grow carrots with hay laid down on top. So I hear anyway, never tried it but they say you can even do that here (many feet of snow, freezes solid all winter, down to -20F). That's all I've got!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've grown broccoli in the winter....when it was going to get really cold I would just cover it with hay. That year we actually had a couple of freezes and it did just fine.

 

[sumi]

This is good so far! I'd love to grow some broccoli and DS just loves carrots pulled fresh from the ground. I'd grow some for him for sure.

 

[Britesea]

You might be able to grow some favas, Cornsalad aka mache is the most hardy of all green- it won't even germinate in warm weather! Kale is incredibly hardy (which is why it's so popular in Scotland). I would also investigate various chicories and endives.

 

[sumi]

Hmm, kale sounds like a good one too. I can add that to smoothies And give some to the chickens over winter.

 

[Beekissed]

Try some pak choi....germinates like lightning, grows fast, cold hardy and good raw or cooked.

 

[Britesea]

and how could I forget turnips and swedes?

 

[Chic Rustler]

I just planted some stuff today. About a month late!

I did carrots turnips and radishes. Radishes grow quick!

I might plant some kale and beets tomorrow

 

[Mini Horses]

Many root crops do well if you just mulch heavy. Hey, if you don't want them the chickens probably will!