Extending the growing season is one of the most effective ways to increase reliability and productivity in a home vegetable garden. Three simple structures—low tunnels, cold frames, and caterpillar tunnels—can protect cool-season crops from frost, freezing temperatures, wind, and heavy rain. Each structure has its own strengths, ideal climate range, and best crop uses. Visit…
Growing vegetables through winter is possible—even in cold climates—when you build a simple winter tunnel. A winter tunnel, sometimes called a low tunnel or hoop tunnel, creates a protected microclimate that keeps hardy crops alive and harvestable through freezing weather. I learned this firsthand years ago when I gardened in eastern Iowa, Zone 5, where…
Protect vegetable seedlings planted in the garden from cool and cold nighttime temperatures. Protect warm-season seedlings such as tomatoes and peppers from temperatures below 55°F. Protect cool-season seedlings such as lettuce and cabbage from temperatures below 45°F. Cages and tunnels covered with plastic are quick ways to protect crops and extend the warmth needed for…
Many vegetables can be grown in winter and harvested in winter or early spring. Some vegetables take most of a year to mature; they are planted in spring and harvested in winter. Other vegetables can be sown in midsummer or early autumn for autumn and winter harvest. Vegetables for winter harvest include leeks, salad leaves,…
A row cover is a lightweight, translucent fabric or plastic cover used to protect plants from inclement weather and pests. Row covers are also know as fabric row covers and floating row covers. Row covers are commonly sheets or rolls of spun-bonded polyster material that can be easily rolled or draped over a row of…
A hoop tunnel can protect plants and seedlings from seasonal temperature extremes in early spring and late fall, heat in summer, animals, and flying pests. Hoops can be covered with lightweight, translucent, spun-bonded polyester, plastic sheeting of varying weights, shade cloth, or bird netting. A hoop tunnel is often used as a sort of cold…
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