Vicki Wilson
| Utica Observer Dispatch
The approaching winter does not have to mean the end of your vegetable gardening.
With the right location, lighting, and care, you can enjoy some varieties of vegetables all winter long in your home or apartment.
Greens like spinach and lettuce can be grown indoors. Green onions, too. Herbs such as basil, mint, dill, and cilantro are good options to add a fresh scent to your home and some fresh taste to your winter meals. Container varieties of things like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes can also do well in pots inside.
Because the winter sunlight is weaker and days are shorter, you may need to purchase lights for your plants.
Use a high-quality potting mix, and make sure it is able to drain well, with drain holes in your containers. Do not overwater. Try not to put plants too near drafty windows or hot heating vents.
And, make sure your pots are big enough to host the largest size of the variety you are growing.
It can take a bit of planning, but you might be able to enjoy a fresh, homegrown salad in the middle of January, while you look forward to planting your larger vegetable garden in the spring.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name, and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100
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