How to Store Vegetables in the Garden

If you don't have a lot of cool storage for your winter foods, you can store some of your crops right in the garden. Dig and use the vegetables as you need them.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Straws Or Hay Bales
• Clear Plastic Sheeting
• Hardware Cloths

Row Storage

1. Spread a strip of hardware cloth or old screening down each row of vegetables to discourage mice.

2. Place a 12-inch layer of straw or mulch over each row of vegetables.

3. Peel back mulch and dig as needed; be sure to re-cover the area with mulch.

Hay Bale Storage

1. Stack hay or straw bales two deep around a broccoli or chard plant to use later in winter.

2. Cover the top with an old storm window. If it is going to get really cold, throw an old rug over the window to preserve warmth.

Row Covering

1. Place a stake at the end of each row, with one in the middle if the row is very long.

2. String a piece of rope or wire tightly between the stakes.

3. Hang a plastic sheet over the string like a tent.

4. Secure the edges of the plastic with stones or blocks.

Tips & Warnings

• For people in cold areas, try placing an 8-inch layer of straw on the ground, then a strip of plastic, then covering it with the 12-inch layer of straw or mulch. This will keep the layer close to the ground drier and easier to dig when frozen.

• Row storage crops include carrots, parsnips, salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, and turnips. For the mid to upper South, you can add beets, cabbage, winter radishes, and celeriac.

• This type of storage works well for leafy vegetables.