The southern part of Alabama is rated Zone 8 by the United States Department of Agriculture . This means that the low winter temperature do not duck below 10 degree F. Alabama ’s mild winters are strong enough that with deliberate readiness – including using greenhouse , high tunnels and mulch for ship’s boat plant on rarified night where the temperature will drop below 20 degrees F – Alabama gardeners can grow some vegetables all wintertime long .

Greens

Leafy , humble - growing veggie will do well in temperatures as low-pitched as 10 degree F. These plant have a succinct form that is close to the basis , which cater some shelter from dusty temperatures . Additionally , low - grow industrial plant can be covered with float row covers or straw mulch to protect them from cold-blooded weather . Leafy plants should be get in tumble so that they will mature before the temperatures become very cold . This will check that they hold up dusty temperatures better . Some varieties of greens that grow well in southern Alabama include spinach , lettuce , kale , cabbage , Brassica oleracea italica and Apium graveolens dulce .

Root Crops

root word crops have even more cold - electrical resistance than low - growing , leafy vegetable because root crops are in the ground . Plant root word crops in late July or former august in southern Alabama so that they will be well - established before winter weather bent in . Some antecedent crops , such as turnip or Swiss chard also have edible light-green , leafy tops that should be harvested when the leaves are young and lovesome . Root crops may be harvested all wintertime foresightful . Some idealistic etymon crops for southern Alabama winter garden include Brassica rapa , Swiss chard , radishes , onions , garlic , horse radish , carrot and beets . Some root crop – such as Brassica napus napobrassica – need additional mulching for protection if the temperature drop below 20 level F.

Frost-Loving Vegetables

Some garden vegetables improve in taste once they are expose to the first frost of the year . Roots , such as parsnips , become more flavorful once their endanger tops are touched by frost . Brussels sprouts will not reach their suitable , compact shape unless they are harvested during periods of hoarfrost and cold . Warm atmospheric condition will make Brussels sprouts to seem loose and open . Fruits such as rose hips will not mature until after the works has been touched by the first hoarfrost of the yr . After a backbreaking frost , heighten pelvic girdle will change state orange and then crimson . The fruit can be harvested and made into a vitamin C - racy syrup or jelly .

References

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