I will definitely think of putting more flower beds to work in the winter. Thanks for the specific varieties. Where do you buy your seeds? Also, do you have to water much?

We generally don't have to water at all in the winter, unless we go a couple weeks without rain. We buy our seeds from numerous places, and we also save our own seed for use year after year. From my profile you can see the companies that I have recommended.

I love this article! There are so many of us who can grow veggies in the cool season & even right through winter but I imagine many aren't aware of that.
Of course, I especially like this article as our weather conditions are much the same as yours & you have given me some great time lines to go by which I believe will work great for me.

Nice article, Dave! And a perfect topic to encourage as much year-round gardening as possible.

The year before last I had to fore-go my fall/winter garden, the first time in nearly 20 years (or more). It nearly brought me to my knees wondering "why? why?" all winter. Where are my cabbages? And my beloved collard greens? Or kale for my Tater Soup! No turnip greens for Thanksgiving or Christmas? What in the world have I done to myself, or not done for myself? Fortunately I came to my senses and that calamity only lasted one year.

Last night I finished off a pot of home-grown collard greens (with some pan-fried fish, potatoes in a basil/butter sauce, and a salad.) There are still several heads of cabbage yet to be picked - and ATP'er Greene recently shared her cabbage rolls recipe with me so there is still some winter excitement before me in my kitchen! And I still have some broccoli side-shoots coming on, or did until tonight's extreme cold snap down to single digits, rare temps for my area.

And folks, some of you might be able to set out some fall onions to grow through the winter also. (I noticed Dave sets his out in late winter/early spring.) And don't forget the garlic! It does just fine enjoying the cooler weather.

Again, great topic, Dave.
Shoe (who thinks the funnest garden is the fall/winter one; good food, no bugs, less watering...)

Thanks for sharing all that, Shoe. Those are great additions you've mentioned there. I would like to get more into the collard greens and other "southern greens" but it just hasn't really happened yet. We grow them but don't eat them, maybe it's because I'm from the north? I have a feeling I'm really missing out. Your pan fried fish sound great and I bet the greens are amazing with them.

You ARE missing out Dave. Southern greens are wunderbar!!!! Sprinkle a little vinegar on southern greens & they are yummy tasty. If my dad loved them & he was from Wisconsin then you will too.
Love your new avatar.