Fall/Winter Fruits, Veggies & Herbs
Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden
Do you love the idea of planting your own fresh vegetable garden? Even if your outdoor space is limited, you can still grow a Tasty Garden! You don't have to have an in-ground garden to do it; you can grow a vegetable garden on your deck or patio in raised garden beds, or in your yard directly in the ground.
At SummerWinds Nursery, we've got all the tools and tricks of the trade you need to help you grow your very own delicious fall/winter vegetable garden or herb garden.
In the Valley of the Sun, explore a variety of cool season vegetables—arriving now!
Grow Your Favorite Fruits
Citrus Fruit Trees & More
Do you enjoy the taste of fresh fruit—whether eaten raw or added as an ingredient in your favorite dish or drink? Fruit trees can be a beautiful, tasty and nutritious addition to your edible garden. At SummerWinds Nursery, we have a number of fruit tree varieties to choose from—available seasonally while supplies last.
Citrus varieties available in-store now...
Tomatoes
For those of you who like to get a jump-start on your tomatoes, early tomatoes are in-store now!
Waiting for the heat to subside? You can still begin planning and preparing for your fall Tasty Garden!
Click the button below to learn more about growing delicious tomatoes:
Enjoy Home-Grown Herbs
Herbs can be one of the easiest and most fulfilling things you can grow in your tasty garden. Fresh herbs make a great addition to drinks, salads and cooked dishes. Or, dry them and enjoy their scents throughout your house in saches or dried bouquets. Enjoy essential oils? Make some with ingredients straight from your own herb garden!
Click the button below to: explore a wide variety of herbs, get recommendations on how to grow them, and to learn about herb-themed gardens (medicinal, culinary, wildlife, aromatherapy and tea).
Tasty Garden Favorites: Fall/Winter Vegetables
Cool-season veggies are rolling in... Stop by your favorite SummerWinds Nursery location to explore our current selection of fall/winter vegetables.
Beets
Beets are a nutrient-rich root vegetable that offer a variety of health benefits. They are high in essential vitamins and minerals like folate, manganese, and potassium, which support heart health, aid in muscle function, and promote proper nerve function. Beets are also known for their high levels of nitrates, compounds that can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, beets contain antioxidants, such as betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect cells from damage. The fiber in beets supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy gut. With their rich nutrient profile and numerous health benefits, beets are a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is a nutrient-dense vegetable that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium, bok choy supports strong bones, a healthy immune system, and good vision. Its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut, while its antioxidants help combat inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Additionally, bok choy is low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while enjoying a versatile, delicious addition to their meals.
Broccoli
Calabrese, sprouting broccoli, and purple cauliflower broccoli are three distinct varieties of broccoli, each offering unique health benefits:
- Calabrese broccoli (a), the most common type, is rich in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health, and contains fiber that aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
- Sprouting broccoli (b), with its tender stems and abundant leaves, is packed with antioxidants such as sulforaphane, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of certain cancers.
- Purple cauliflower broccoli (c), known for its vibrant color, is high in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and may improve heart health.
All three types are low in calories but dense in nutrients, making them excellent choices for a healthy, balanced diet.
Some of SummerWinds' favorite broccoli varieties include: Marathon, Premium Crop, Purple Sprouting, Waltham, Belstar, Di Cicco, Sessantina Grossa and more... Selection varies by location.
Carrots
Carrots are a highly nutritious root vegetable known for their vibrant orange color and numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Carrots also contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. The high fiber content in carrots supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in weight management by keeping you full for longer. Additionally, the antioxidants found in carrots, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and improve overall eye health. With their low calorie count and rich nutrient profile, carrots are a versatile and beneficial addition to any diet.
Did you know, there are over 100 species of carrots? From the orange carrots you likely grew up with to rainbow colored carrots (orange, purple, white, yellow and red), we have a variety of carrots to choose from at SummerWinds, available seasonally.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable that offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins C and K, which are essential for immune support and bone health, and is a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight. The various varieties of cauliflower, such as Cheddar, Purple of Sicily, Romanesco, and Snowball Y, each have their unique nutritional profiles and benefits.
There are hundreds of varieties of cauliflower worldwide, including these colorful ones:
- Cheddar (a) - Cheddar cauliflower, with its bright orange hue, contains high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts immunity.
- Purple of Sicily (b) - Purple of Sicily cauliflower is rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease.
- Romanesco (c) - Romanesco cauliflower, known for its unique fractal shape and vibrant green color, is packed with vitamin C and carotenoids, which have antioxidant properties and can protect against cellular damage.
- Snowball Y (d) - Snowball Y, a classic white variety, is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious diet.
All these cauliflower varieties contribute to overall health by providing essential nutrients while being low in fat and calories, making them great additions to a balanced diet.
Kale
Kale is one of the Valley's favorite vegetables—and who can blame us for loving this high-nutrient, delicious leafy green? To learn more about kale, including growing recommendations and details about our favorite kale varieties (curly kale, dwarf blue curled kale, lacinato/dinosaur/Toscano kale and purple kale), click the button below:
Lavender
There are two different types of lavender—ornamental and culinary. There are numerous varieties of edible lavender, including some of these favorites:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis, or Lavandula vera): This aromatic variety is popular in cooking, adding a fragrant touch to drinks, desserts, savory dishes, and meats. (a)
- Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'): Known for its deep violet-blue flowers, this lavender variety has a delightful scent and a rich, fruity flavor. (b)
- Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'): Featuring traditional purple blooms, this variety has a pleasing aroma and a blend of herbal and floral flavors. (c)
- Rosea English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea'): This lavender with pink flowers has a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of candy. (d)
- White Ice Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'White Ice'): This variety, known for its pale flowers, offers a delicate flavor with hints of sweetness. (e)
- Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia): These are hybrids of English lavender, known for their complex flavors. Some popular types include Grosso Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso') and Provence Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence'). (Grosso lavender shown as - f)
Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are one of the best ways to grow your own tasty garden. You can build them from a variety of materials and at any dimensions you'd like.
To learn more about raised garden beds, including their benefits, about different types of raised garden beds, and recommendations for height, access, location, soil and planting, click the button below:
Plus, check out our video - How to Plant a Raised Bed Garden.
To get the most out of your fall/winter garden harvest, visit your local SummerWinds Nursery and let our Trusted Garden Advisors help you select the best vegetables and the right time to plant. Available while supplies last. Selection varies by location.
