Winter Gardening in the Columbia River Gorge

     Many gardeners button up their vegetable gardens in the fall, and turn their attention to some other activity until those warmer months arrive with the promise of another season!

     You may be someone who exhales in relief as their garden is put to bed, ready for the break from weeding, mulching, fertilizing and harvesting. But if you’re not — read on — this article is for you!

     Admittedly, I take no small pleasure in bringing my famous kale salad to dinner parties in colder months and announcing the greens came from my garden. Or creating a carrot cake in the dead of winter by first pulling the root veggies from the cold soil of my own back yard. Roasted beets taste even sweeter after they’ve felt a few frosts!

     Of course, gardening in winter comes with some restrictions — there aren’t going to be fresh tomatoes, so keep your expectations in check! But you may be surprised by what you can coax out of our limited sunshine and cooler temps!

Plant selection and timing tips:

Sow root vegetables in late summer for fall and winter harvest. This allows time for seeds to germinate and develop strong root growth before cold temperatures arrive. Parsnips, in particular, benefit from cold exposure, which sweetens their flavor.

Plant garlic and shallots in late fall; they establish roots before winter and resume vigorous growth in spring.

For greens, try staggered sowings and cover young beds during cold snaps to maintain a continuous supply.

If you’re experimenting with slightly tender crops (e.g., certain chard varieties or overwintering peas), use cloches or move containers into protected spaces during cold nights.

Other considerations:

     Microclimates: The Gorge has many microclimates ranging from the low elevation river valley to higher slopes and wind-exposed ridges. Pay attention to parts of your garden that may trap cold air or experience more sustained winds, as these areas may require extra protection. You’ll also want to keep your historical frost windows in mind.

     Soil and site prep: While this is an important part of gardening regardless of season, poor draining soil can be devastating for a winter garden. Raised beds are ideal, and healthy soil improves drainage, which can help prevent waterlogged conditions causing root rot and other problems. Amend your soil with compost, manure or other additives that will build organic matter. Mulch with straw or leaf litter to help in temperature moderation, preventing freeze-thaw patterns.

     Pests and disease: Winter is not pest free. Fungal disease, rodents and some invertebrates could cause issues with your cold-weather plants.  Regular monitoring will help to keep your plants and soil healthy.

     Winter gardening in the Columbia River Gorge is possible and quite rewarding with a little site preparation, and modest investments in protection. Use local frost data and OSU Extension guidance to plan timing, choose hardy crops, and build soil and beds that withstand wet winters. With a bit of planning — and an eye on your own microclimate — you’ll find that the Gorge can be an unexpectedly generous place to garden even in the cold months.

     Central Gorge Master Gardener volunteers provide free beginning gardening classes and continuing education to home gardeners. For research based information about specific gardening or pest questions, submit your concern online at extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/hoodriver or by phone at

541-386-3343. Home gardeners can also drop off plant or pest samples Monday - Thursday between

9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the OSU Hood River County Extension Service, 2990 Experiment Station Drive, Hood River, OR.

     The Central Gorge Master Gardener program is a division of the OSU Hood River County Extension Service. OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials.

Resources:

Growing winter vegetables, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/12281/growingwintervegetables.pdf

First and Last Frost dates https://garden.org/apps/frost-dates/Hood%2BRiver%2C%2BOR/

Grow your own https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9027-growing-your-own?