Winter planting sounds unlikely to gardeners in cold zones, and in the coldest places it is indeed a season for planning rather than planting. But winter is a real planting season in mild zones, it is the season for bare-root trees and shrubs everywhere the ground is not frozen, and it is the season when the next year's garden is planned and ordered. The key to winter planting is knowing which of those three jobs applies to your zone, and not trying to plant tender crops in frozen ground because a seed packet said winter was a planting season somewhere else.
In zones 11 to 13, which are frost-free, winter is not a dormant season at all: planting keeps going year-round, and the cooler months are often the most comfortable time to garden. In zones 9 and 10, winter is the main cool-season vegetable season. In zones 6 to 8, winter planting means bare-root trees and shrubs while the ground is workable, and hardy vegetables under cover. In zones 3 to 5, winter planting mostly means planning indoors, with only the hardiest bare-root planting in a mild spell. This guide covers all of it, zone by zone. If you are unsure about winter planting in your area, check your local extension service.
Bare-root trees and shrubs in winter
Bare-root planting is the main winter planting job in most zones. Trees, shrubs, roses and fruit trees are sold without soil around their roots in winter, while they are dormant, and they are usually cheaper and establish better than container-grown plants, since they have no pot-bound roots and they put all their energy into rooting when spring arrives. Plant them while they are dormant and the ground is not frozen, in a mild spell, in well-drained soil. Our fall planting guide covers planting generally, and our fall transplanting guide covers moving established plants.
Prepare the hole before the plant arrives, digging it wider than the roots and no deeper than the root collar, and loosen the bottom and sides. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting, spread them out in the hole, backfill with soil mixed with compost, firm gently, and water well. Plant at the same depth as before — the soil mark on the stem shows the old level — and stake tall trees, mulch around the base keeping mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from animals with guards. See our fall mulching guide and fall fruit care guides for mulching and protection. Do not plant bare-root stock into frozen or waterlogged soil, and do not leave bare roots exposed to sun or wind while you work.
Winter vegetables by zone
In zones 9 and 10, winter is the main vegetable season, and broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, carrots, beets, kale and other cool-season crops are planted in fall and grown through winter. The zone 9 winter gardening and zone 10 winter gardening guides cover winter growing in warm zones. In zones 6 to 8, winter vegetables are limited to the hardiest crops — kale, Brussels sprouts, leeks and overwintering onions — and they need protection from a cold frame, cloche or row cover. The zone 7 winter gardening guide gives a mid-zone view. In zones 3 to 5, outdoor vegetable planting in winter is not practical while the ground is frozen, and the garden rests until spring, though hardy crops planted in fall may still be harvested from under cover in a mild spell.
In zones 11 to 13, winter planting continues year-round: vegetables, herbs and tropical plants keep growing, and the cooler months are often the best time to plant, since heat and humidity are lower than in summer. The zone 11 winter gardening guide explains how winter works where frost never arrives. Whatever your zone, plant by your local conditions, not by a date printed for somewhere else, and check your local extension service for planting dates tuned to your area.
Planting under cover in winter
A cold frame, greenhouse or polytunnel makes winter planting possible in zones where outdoor planting is not. Hardy salads such as lettuce, spinach and Asian greens can be sown in a cold frame in winter in mild zones, and they grow slowly in short days but give fresh leaves when little else is available. Our winter seed starting guide covers sowing under cover in winter, and our fall frost protection guide covers cold frames and cloches. Ventilate on sunny days, since a closed cold frame can overheat quickly even in winter, and close it in the evening before frost.
A greenhouse extends winter planting further, allowing tender plants to be overwintered and early crops to be started. Keep the greenhouse clean, ventilated and frost-free, and check plants regularly for pests, which thrive in warm, still air. Herbs such as parsley, chives and mint can be grown in pots in a greenhouse or on a bright windowsill through winter. Do not overwater plants under cover in winter, since cold, wet compost invites rot, and our winter watering guide covers the winter watering rules. If you are growing under cover, check your local extension service for advice on winter growing in your area.
Planning and ordering seeds in winter
For gardeners in cold zones, winter planting is mostly planning, and it is work worth doing well. Winter is the time to review the year: what grew well, what failed, which pests were a problem, and what the soil test said. Plan rotations so the same family does not go back into the same bed, which lets pests and disease build up, and plan successions so beds are not empty for long in spring. Order seeds early, since popular varieties sell out, and choose varieties suited to your zone and your conditions rather than the most attractive catalogue picture. Our seed starting calculator helps work out sowing dates from your last frost date, and the frost date calculator gives average frost dates by zone, though these are averages and ranges only.
Plan the garden on paper before you order, sketching beds and noting what goes where, so you order what you need rather than what catches your eye. Order bare-root trees and shrubs early too, since nurseries sell out of popular varieties. Check tools and equipment in winter, repairing and replacing what needs it, so spring starts with tools that work. And use winter to learn: read, plan, and check your local extension service for courses and advice. A winter spent planning is a spring spent planting, not a spring spent deciding.
Common winter planting mistakes
The most common mistake is planting into frozen or waterlogged soil, which damages roots and kills the plant. The second is planting tender plants outdoors in winter and expecting them to survive. The third is leaving bare roots exposed to sun and wind while planting, which dries them out. The fourth is planting too deep, which buries the stem and causes rot. The fifth is forgetting to water after planting, even in winter, since roots still need moisture to establish. The sixth is ordering seeds late and missing the varieties you wanted. And the seventh is doing nothing all winter in a mild zone where planting could have continued. Plant by your zone, plant bare-root stock while dormant, protect what you plant, and use the quiet months to plan.
Frequently asked questions
What can I plant in winter?
Bare-root trees, shrubs, roses and fruit trees while dormant and the ground is not frozen, and cool-season vegetables in mild zones. In zones 11 to 13, planting continues year-round. In cold zones, winter is mostly for planning and ordering seeds.
Can I plant bare-root trees in winter?
Yes, winter is the main bare-root planting season, while trees are dormant. Plant in a mild spell when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, soak roots first, plant at the same depth, water well and mulch.
What vegetables grow in winter?
In warm zones, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, carrots and kale grow through winter. In cold zones, outdoor vegetable planting is not practical while the ground is frozen, though hardy crops under cover may still be harvested.
Do zones 11 to 13 have a winter planting season?
Zones 11 to 13 are frost-free, so they keep growing year-round and winter is not a dormant season. Planting continues much as it does the rest of the year, with the cooler months often the most comfortable time to garden.
When should I order seeds?
In winter, early, before popular varieties sell out. Plan the garden first, then order what you need. If you are unsure about planting dates in your area, check your local extension service.