Top 10 Winter Veggies for Florida: Essential Vegetables to Grow and Use in Your Outdoor Kitchen This Winter
Whether you want a full backyard garden or some small potted herbs around the screened in room, you don’t have to wait until Spring to plant vegetables in Central Florida. Kick off your wellness goals early by starting off with some homegrown vegetables. We created a list of the top ten vegetables to grow this winter to get you started:
- Carrots: Believe it or not, carrots can be planted right here in Central Florida in the month of November. So if you are reading this right now you can start planting! Whether you have your own designated gardening area in a fenced in backyard or you are simply trying something new in a small space, carrots are a great start for your garden. Not only are carrots a classic root vegetable for the family, they are also dog friendly and growing them is one more way to make your backyard dog friendly and healthy for everyone.
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- Kale: This leafy green has gained popularity over the years for its nutrient rich qualities. Lucky for us, we can grow them this winter. Kale can be sautéed with some garlic as a nice side or even tossed in a salad for an extra boost to your mixed greens variety. If you plant them this winter, they will be thriving by the time you start your wellness goals next year. A nice smoothie with some kale blended in, is the perfect addition to your wellness essentials list.
- Collards: Celebrating the Southern lifestyle is not just limited to a great screened in porch area. Collard greens are part of life in the south too! Planting collard greens can happen in a store bought raised bed in your lanai or they can grow right in a designated area in the backyard. They do well in both the winter and the summer heat making it a favorite crop to grow in tropical climate. Not only are collard greens a delicious side here in the south, they too, like kale, are rich in nutrients and great for your daily vegetable consumption.
- Brussels: Did you know that Brussels sprouts are actually not technically little baby cabbage? They sure can be good though! These lovely veggies can be sautéed with bacon and a balsamic glaze or prepared however you like. In Florida, November is a good month to plant these in the ground and watch them grow. These have a unique design and are fun for a kid friendly garden. Children tend to gravitate towards bite sized veggies so these might be worth a try this season.
- Cabbage: Cabbage is an international favorite. This vegetable is abundant and is used in many dishes across the globe. Plant these this winter and you will have some ready for corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick’s day. In fact, you might have so much you will be able to grill it in your outdoor kitchen this upcoming summer.
- Green Onions: Next on our list is green onions. These little onions add a pop of flavor to many dishes. They are easy to grow and can be planted in a small container for an extra pop of green around the house.
- Arugula: Did you know that arugula has almost the same amount of nutrient density as kale and collards? Yes, this spicy but mighty small green is delicious in salads, as an add on to burgers and in many global recipes. How about a magical dinner under the pergola with some arugula fresh from the garden?
- Radish: These little veggies are the perfect pop of color to salads and easy to grab once they begin growing. We oftentimes may overlook these, but I guarantee you when you have these growing in your garden you won’t regret it. They are beautiful and a delicious healthy treat to add to your selection when you are craving something crispy and crunchy.
- Spinach: We cannot forget Popeye’s favorite—spinach! Spinach is another vegetable that does not need an entire backyard garden to grow in. In fact, it can thrive in a small pot near your pool area or screened enclosure. This is great to have all throughout the year. Excellent to add in salads, soups, and smoothies. Spinach is an easy way to consume powerful vitamins for our everyday life.
- Lettuce: Last but not least we end with one more classic, lettuce. Lettuce can be planted in November here in Central Florida. This crisp green leaf can be found in salads, sandwiches, and even mixed in pet food! It is great to begin growing because it will save time, money, and excuses. We can always add some more greens to our plates, why not add some lettuce!
We believe your home is a space to live and thrive. The ticket to wellbeing begins in the home. Whether you decide to create a fenced in backyard to have a full garden or start one in your very own lanai, we are here to get you started. Contact U.S. Aluminum at 407-237-3128 to end the year with your best foot forward.