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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

Tips & Warnings

• This type of storage works well for leafy vegetables.

[tracysmith159]

on 6/10/2009 Good article. Although hard to get out if the ground freezes. I have storage for my vegetable from my garden I just don't know how to store them.