Overwintering?

[CADS]

Hi,

Please can someone explain what overwintering means?

I'm still fairly new at GYO and want to grow something during autumn and winter.

Thanks
CADS

[Eyren]

Overwintering: You put stuff in the ground (usually in October/November), it grows a tiny bit and then sits there quietly over winter. When spring comes, the plant is already established and can get off to a quick start. That's the theory, anyhow!

Things that will overwinter: Japanese/overwintering onions (e.g. "Radar"), most varieties of garlic, broad beans, spring cabbage... probably some others I haven't thought of. If you're in an exposed or cold spot, some shelter from the wind and/or frost might be needed.

(That's not including plants that crop in winter and early spring, like leeks, kale, swiss chard and purple sprouting broccoli)

[SlugLobber]

Hi CADS, my understanding of it is pretty much like Eyren.

If I wave out of my window, you can probably see me - am close to Banstead. Coooeeeeee!!!

[Cutecumber]

I would agree with that definition, though it is used in many ways these days.

To me, it discounts things that grow continuously through winter and are harvested during that time.

For example, I sow some lettuce now to eat during the winter, but I don't refer to that as "over-wintering".

The term is used very flexibly and its meaning is not so crucial as to cause problems if misunderstood - a rare and happy thing!