Container Gardening in Winter

I am not an active winter gardener. There is nothing I dislike more than spending time outside in below freezing temperatures. That said, I enjoy fresh, winter greens. See my dilemma?

This season, I think I've figured out a way to cheat the system. Rather than utilizing my raised beds in the side yard, full of delightful compost no less, I planted Swiss chard, broccoli and spinach in pots on the back patio. The plan is to reach out my back door and snip whatever I desire, then retreat into the warmth of my home in 10 seconds flat.

The Swiss chard has done remarkably well. I've harvested gallon bags worth for the last few weeks. All from a medium-sized strawberry planter that had been sitting empty for years.

The broccoli is now filling out. Little florets are appearing on healthy stalks. I'm so excited!

These are planted in two large plastic pots; the black ones that are readily available at big box garden centers. I suspect the broccoli plant roots will quickly outgrow the pots, but they were the largest I had on hand.

 

The spinach has not fared as well, hence no picture. I planted them in small, unglazed terra cotta pots which I suspect is part of the problem. (The only thing I have successfully grown in terra cotta pots are succulents.) Unglazed terra cotta dries out quickly and is just too high maintenance in my opinion. It is unlikely that I will repot them but I know better for next year.

 

How does your winter garden grow?

Mini Succulent Garden

I have several variety of succulents in pots around the yard and had more than a few leaves drop while cleaning up. I didn't want to toss them so I thought I'd create a mini planter for my desk at work.

The succulent in the center already had a good root system so that one is actually buried in the potting mix. As for the others, I simply arranged the succulent leaves as I wanted on top of the soil. As the leaves broke down, they gave way to new plants which will be rooted in the potting mix.

 

 

I already had the pot, which is lined with pebbles at the bottom to help with drainage. (It is temporarily resting on the charger, which is awaiting a Christmas makeover.)

Even though I used good quality potting mix and plan to fertilize when required, it will take a few months for these to grow in. They have a nice, sunny perch near a window and will be most delightful to look at. Can't hardly wait!