Winter greens facts for kids
Winter greens are special leafy vegetables that grow well even when it's cold outside. They are like cousins to the cabbage family! These amazing plants are ready to harvest and eat during the winter months.
Some common winter greens you might know include chard, collards, rapini, and kale. They are all packed with good things for your body.
Discovering Winter Greens
Long ago, people wanted to know which vegetables could survive cold winters. A person named William Morgan studied this in 1818. He was very interested in plants that could grow even when it was chilly.
Morgan looked at different types of Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbages, and kale. He grew them to see how tough they were in the cold. He wanted to find out which ones were best for winter growing.
He shared what he learned with the Horticultural Society of London. His work helped gardeners know which greens they could plant to have fresh food all winter long.
Growing Winter Greens
Many different plants can be grown as winter greens. Gardeners can plant these vegetables in the late fall, from October through December. They are hardy, meaning they can handle colder temperatures.
Some popular winter greens include bok choy, Chinese cabbage, and spinach. You can also find mustard greens, kale, and Swiss chard. Other examples are leeks, carrots, and cabbage.
These plants are special because they can keep growing even when other vegetables stop. This means you can have fresh, healthy food from your garden all winter.
Why Winter Greens Are Good For You
Winter greens are super healthy for your body. They are full of important things called vitamins and dietary minerals. Eating them helps you stay strong and healthy.
They are a great source of vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. They also give you lots of vitamin C, which helps your body fight off sickness.
These greens also have important minerals. They contain iron, which helps your blood stay healthy. You'll also find potassium and calcium in them, which are good for your bones and muscles.
