5 Winterizing Garden Tips from Our Experts
Anna Glasgow
Garden Senior Specialist
Catherine Wills
Garden Specialist
Nijsha Johnson
Health Educator
Cassie Cubilla
Health Educator
Taylor Holste
CookWELL Kitchen Senior Specialist
Kristie Hicks
Health Educator
Winterizing your garden doesn’t have to be complicated. Less produce to harvest, withering vines, and the cooling temperatures are signs that it may be time to begin the process. Our expert educators give you their five favorite tips to winterize your garden.
We recommend covering crop seeds and having clippers, mulch, and some help for you to follow these tips. Bring in a friend or your family to make the most of your time in the garden. To make your own cold covers you will need PVC pipe, a tarp, and clips.
Planting seasons may vary depending on your planting zone. Because the Poe Center is located in central North Carolina, we plant in Zone 8B. To find your planting zone, go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Minestrone
Not sure what to do with your leftover produce? Try out this minestrone soup recipe and get the most from your garden.
Ingredients
1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 Bay leaves
1 sprig rosemary
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomatoes from your garden)
1 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
2 cups vegetables, chopped (zucchini, squash, snap beans, green beans, corn, etc.)
2 cups leafy greens, chopped (kale, cabbage, broccoli rabe, collards, etc.)
6 cups water
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Parmesan cheese to garnish
Directions
- Heat a large skillet or a stock pot on medium heat. Add olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about five minutes.
- Scrub and rinse sweet potatoes. Pat dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
- Add the bay leaves, rosemary, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for two minutes.
- Add a large pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Add the vegetables, leafy greens, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and beans. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaves and rosemary.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese.
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