We’re in the thick of winter in beautiful Kalispell, MT., but that doesn’t mean that your garden has to be dormant! We’re here to highlight all the different tips and tricks you can use to replant and care for your Kalispell winter garden this year, preparing yourself for a bountiful spring crop.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Kalispell winter planting cycle!
Stay away from leafy greens
If you’re considering holding your garden through the frigid Montana winters, it’s important to get strategic and consider what will do well. Leafy greens aren’t the best choice for late fall and winter crops, as their high liquid content can easily freeze, damage and rot with the extremely low regional temperatures. (You can, however, stock up for the early spring seasons, insulting in delicious salad additions such as watercress, arugula, lettuces, and spinach. Looking for a place to start? You can find some of the best seed options at Wild Geese Gardens all year round!)
If you have root veggies such as turnip and celery root, or potatoes, they may fare well even in sub-freezing temperatures–you just might not see those signature leafy green tops if the temperature dips below twenty degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider taking your operation indoors
Indoor planter boxes and hydroponic garden sets are a great way to preserve your crops all year round despite the winter’s freezing temps. Herbs, leafy veggies, and florals all do well in planters, especially if there’s a humidity and hydration setup available to facilitate growth. Looking for inspiration? The pros at Montana Ace can help you design and execute your custom growth setup, keeping your garden bountiful and ready all year round. We also recommend stopping by Hooper’s Garden Center to pick up everything you need to grow indoors and start your shoots.
Try taking a “seed season”
You can harvest seeds from just about any whole fruit or veggie you eat, saving you hundreds in future replanting efforts. Consider making the winter months your “seed season,” saving up your favorite seeds and reserving your energy for the big spring thaw. You can easily pull seeds from your garden favorites, including:
- Peppers (all kinds)
- Peas (all kinds)
- Tomatoes (beefsteak, cherry, and heirloom)
- Avocados
- Radishes
- Potatoes (via the eyes of the spud)
- Watermelon
- Peach
- Apples
- Apricots
- Pears
- Cherries
- Citrus fruits (tangerines, oranges, mangos)
To do this safely and effectively, you’ll want to source from reputable local farms over your local grocers. Our top picks include Hockaday Orchards in the Flathead Valley, Fat Robin Orchard & Farm in Polson, and Getma’s Cherry Red Orchard in Bigfork.
Prepare for spring planting
Preparation is key for a fantastic biannual harvest. You can always choose to take the winter season “off” and plan for the spring, stocking up on all of the key products you need to keep your garden going throughout the year. Some things to consider investing in include:
- Mulch
- Compost cyclers and tools
- Advanced plant nutrition formulas
- Soil
- Seeds
- Gardening tools
- Irrigation systems and accessories
Save big on your stock up at Box of Rain Organic Garden Center with their price match guarantee. You’ll enjoy some of the season’s lowest prices with every trip!
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