How to and What Veggies To Grow for Your Winter Soup

For a hearty winter soup, try growing your own veggies! Cultivating your own vegetables for winter soups is a fantastic way to ensure fresh, delicious, and nutritious ingredients. Here are some great options and tips for each:

Cauliflower

Cauliflower adds a creamy texture to soups when pureed. This cool-weather crop can be planted in the autumn and harvested in late winter or early spring. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.

Onion

Onions add a rich, savory base to any soup. They are easy to grow and can be planted in late autumn, early winter. Choose varieties like yellow or white onions for the best soup flavour. Onions thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sun.

Carrots

Carrots add sweetness and colour to your soup. Plant carrot seeds in autumn for winter harvest. They grow best in loose, sandy soil that is well-drained. Thin out the seedlings to prevent overcrowding and allow the roots to develop fully.

Cabbage

Cabbage adds a hearty, nutritious element to your soup. Plant cabbage seeds or seedlings in the autumn for a winter harvest. Cabbage grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun. Regular watering is crucial to prevent the heads from splitting.

Parsley

Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note to soups. It can be planted in early autumn and will continue to grow through the winter in mild climates. Parsley thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun.

Evenly spread your seeds in well-prepared soil. Make sure to follow the planting depth and spacing recommendations for each type of vegetable.

2. Water and Nurture

Water appropriately and regularly to help your plants grow strong and healthy. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Consistent watering, along with mulching, can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Harvest and Enjoy

Once your veggies are ready, it's time for the fun part – making your delicious winter soup!