Easy Root Vegetables to Grow in Winter

Discover the best cold-hardy root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips to plant this winter. Learn which varieties thrive in cold climates and how to grow them successfully for a winter harvest.

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your gardening season! There are plenty of root vegetables that thrive in cold temperatures, providing fresh, nutritious produce throughout the winter months. By selecting cold-hardy varieties and employing a few simple strategies, you can enjoy a productive winter garden. Here are some of the best root vegetables to plant during the winter season, along with specific varieties that are well-suited for colder climates.

1. Carrots
Carrots are a classic winter root vegetable that can handle frost and continue growing through the colder months. With the right varieties, you can harvest fresh carrots in the early spring.

Varieties to Try:

Danvers 126: Known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, this variety is sweet, crisp, and perfect for winter harvests.
Nantes: A smaller, cylindrical carrot that is sweet and tender, making it ideal for winter growth in cooler climates.

Growing Tips:

Plant carrots in loose, well-drained soil and make sure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. Mulch around the plants to protect them from extreme cold and help them overwinter.

2. Beets

Beets are hardy vegetables that can tolerate frost and actually become sweeter with exposure to cooler temperatures. These vegetables thrive in well-drained soil and can be harvested in the winter months with proper care.

Varieties to Try:

Detroit Dark Red: A popular, reliable beet variety that grows well even in colder climates. It’s known for its sweet, earthy flavor.
Chioggia: An Italian heirloom beet with striking red-and-white concentric rings inside. It’s cold-hardy and adds a unique touch to winter dishes.

Growing Tips:

Beets need about 3-4 months to reach maturity, so plant them early in the fall to allow for winter harvesting. Water consistently and mulch to insulate the roots during colder months.

3. Turnips

Turnips are incredibly cold-hardy and can survive freezing temperatures, making them a great addition to your winter garden. They grow quickly and are versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.

Varieties to Try:

Purple Top White Globe: A classic winter turnip variety that grows well in cooler climates, offering sweet, mild flavor and smooth texture.
Hakurei: A Japanese variety known for its sweet, crisp flavor and small size, perfect for winter growing.

Growing Tips:

Turnips grow best in cool weather, so plant them in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest. Keep the soil evenly moist and protect the roots with a layer of mulch during cold spells.

4. Rutabagas

Rutabagas, or swedes, are similar to turnips but are larger and have a milder flavor. They are well-suited for winter growing and can tolerate frost, which helps to develop their unique taste.

Varieties to Try:

Laurentian: A cold-hardy variety that produces large, round roots with a sweet, creamy flavor perfect for winter stews.
American Purple Top: Known for its rich flavor and vibrant color, this rutabaga is ideal for winter harvesting.

Growing Tips:

Rutabagas need a long growing season, so plant them early in the fall. Make sure they are spaced out well to allow room for their large root systems. Mulch heavily to keep the soil insulated during winter.

5. Parsnips

Parsnips are a great root vegetable for winter gardening, as they improve in flavor after exposure to frost. They take a bit longer to grow than some other root vegetables, but the wait is well worth it for their sweet, nutty taste.

Varieties to Try:

Hollow Crown: This heirloom variety is known for its long, white roots and rich, nutty flavor that intensifies after a frost.
Javelin: A fast-growing variety that produces tender, sweet parsnips with excellent flavor, even in cold temperatures.

Growing Tips:

Plant parsnips in late summer or early fall, as they take several months to mature. Protect the roots with mulch to shield them from extreme winter conditions, and harvest when they’ve reached their full size in the spring.

Cold-hardy root vegetables are a fantastic way to extend your growing season into the winter months. By selecting the right varieties, preparing your soil properly, and employing a few strategies like mulching and proper spacing, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce even in the coldest months. Whether you're harvesting carrots, beets, turnips, rutabagas, or parsnips, your winter garden will reward you with nutritious, flavorful crops throughout the season.

Happy gardening, and stay warm while growing your winter harvest!