We have two primary growing “seasons” here in Louisiana — one in the autumn and winter and one in spring and early summer. There are many vegetables which grow well in our cooler fall and winter weather. Most of these plants will laster through the winter months if our winter weather is mild. With freezing weather, some of them need to be protected. October is a great time to get out in the garden and plant some of these crops. I usually transplant small seedlings because they are much easier to get started and, realistically, how many mustard plants to you actually need?
Strawberriers are an interesting plant. They are purchased with their bare roots showing — 12 plants in a bundle. After planting, the tops die back, but the roots take hold. Then the little plants sprout and they grow all winter, with strawberries in February and March. I tried planting them in pots this winter with success – but, unfortunately, the birds found that the berries were mightly tasty.
What am I planting in my winter garden?
- Herbs: Parsley, Cilantro, Dill
- Vegetables: Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Bok Choy, Pak Choi,
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets
- Fruits: Strawberries
Here are some of the recipes which I’ve made using the produce (including beets) grown in my winter garden. How rewarding is it — in spite of the work, time and expense — to grow your own vegetables.
Pickled Carrot Slaw with Cilantro
Do you ever open your refrigerator door to find carrots staring back at you? And the next time you look in your refrigerator, the same…
It’s a Wrap — Kale and Chicken Burritos with Instant Pot Sous Vide
Do you want to add some kale to your diet? We all know that kale is full of nutritonal value, but how do you incorporate…
Let’s Cook Something New: Charred Broccolini with Garlic
So, you don’t like broccoli? How about giving broccolini a try. This vegetable looks alot like broccoli but is sweeter, more tender and milder in…
Oriental Marinated Petite Sirloin Steaks with Garlicky Braised Pak Choi
Marinate and then sear a petite sirloin steak in a garlicky, oriental-flavored concoction along with pak choi, and the result is a delicious, elegant evening…
Holiday Breakfast Strada with Kale
This year, I’m starting our Christmas celebration with a hearty dish of “Holiday Breakfast Strada with Kale.” A strada (meaning layers) is an American brunch…
Louisiana Strawberry and Bibb Lettuce Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
For a few fleeting weeks in March, April and May, Louisiana strawberries ripen and are at their peak. You can find these luscious berries in…
Steamed Oriental-Style Chicken with Kale and Sticky Rice
I sent my husband to the grocery market to purchase rice and he returned home with a bamboo steamer. I certainly don’t need another “kitchen…
Smothered Kale with Andouille Sausage
Here’s a recipe using another vegetable which is growing in my winter garden. “Smothered Kale and Andouille Sausage” is just good old-fashioned Southern cooking at…
Bonnie’s Miniature Strawberry Cheesecakes for Easter
I happened to mention to a friend that I was looking for recipes which use fresh Louisiana strawberries for my blog. She replied by saying…
Let’s Cook Something New: Braised Red and White Russian Kale
Thought I’d try to plant something new in my autumn garden in September. Red and White Russian Kale are new to me and they are…
Simply Pickled Beets and Ginger
What’s the best way to eat beets? Not a very popular vegetable; but there are several ways to cook beets that make them surprisingly scrumptious. I…
Glazed Carrots from Monsanto Seeds
I attended a convention two years ago; the Monsanto Company handed out sample vegetable seed packets as a vendor. I planted the carrots this February…
Swiss Chard: Grow it in Louisiana
What is Swiss chard? It’s a delectable leafy green vegetable, not nearly as common as spinach or mustard greens, for example. It is very tender with…
Stir Fry Bok Choy and Pineapple
Bok Choy: Will it grow in Louisiana? Every year I like to try to plant something new and small bok choy plants was something I…
Let’s Plant Dill
Does dill grow in Louisiana? Yes, it is easy to grow here. Dill grows best in cool weather and the time to plant it in…
Does Rosemary Grow in Louisiana?
Burr, It’s quite chilly here in Louisiana. Hard freeze in the low twenties and upper teens. The bird bath is an ice cube. Nothing compared…
Mustard Greens: Will It Grow in Louisiana?
Yes, mustard greens grow in Louisiana: they are a cool weather plant and grow well in the fall here. I’ve been growing them for 3…
Let’s Plant Cilantro
With the cool front passing through the South, it’s a great time to get out into the yard; plant some herbs and vegetables that tolerate…
