When the term Winter gardening is mentioned, consider the fact this does not mean starting a garden in the winter the way you would in the spring.
Instead, winter gardening is actually an extension to the growing season.
Depending on where you live, there are a number of vegetables that can be started in late summer and harvested through the fall and on into the winter.
Your winter garden actually begins in the spring with planning.
As you develop your plans for the vegetables you want to grow, consider planting a number of those that mature in mid-summer to free up space for others which are hardy enough to stand up to cooler temperatures.
By getting these selections into the ground before late summer, you will give the plants time to develop strength so when the temperature drops, they will able to tolerate it.
As you begin to make your selection for late summer planting, it does not take a rocket scientist to realize tomatoes and summer (note the season name) squash are not good selections.
However, members of the cabbage family (broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens) are ideal for winter gardening.
Garlic, leeks and other onion family members do well too, as do root crops such as beets and carrots.
If you like fresh herbs, consider growing these in containers rather than your garden plot.
Then, when the temperatures drop, bring the containers inside and continue to enjoy fresh herbs throughout the winter.
Selections such as sage, rosemary and cilantro make tasty additions to Thanksgiving turkey and winter stews.
If you do not have room or funds for a greenhouse, a cold frame can help you raise more delicate veggies during the winter.
A cold frame is easily constructed by placing a storm window over a raised bed.
Tunnels can also be used to help extend the growing season of summer veggies.
Bend 1/2" or 3/4" PVC pipe over the bed and cover the arches with clear plastic.
Except in times of extreme cold, plants should do well under these tunnels.
As you get your late summer plants started, be cautious about the type of fertilizer you apply.
Nitrogen in the fertilizer will cause plants to grow rapidly and new plant growth is very moist and soft.
If the temperatures drop rapidly, the plants could be damaged.
When thinking about fertilizer for your fall veggies, consider compost instead.
The compost will offer a double benefit the plants will be able to absorb the nutrition they need from it and the mulch will help insult the ground and keep it from freezing quickly, which will protect young roots.
Grass clippings, straw or shredded/crumbled leaves make good mulch.
A word of warning though slugs love the environment mulch creates.
Be on the lookout for them.