Extending your vegetable growing season is a great way to maximize your garden’s production and have fresh produce for more months of the year. There are many different techniques you can use to extend your growing season, from low tunnels and high tunnels to floating row covers and cloches.
Something to keep in mind with each of these options is the daytime vs. nighttime temperatures. You may need to have the option to ventilate the space if your daytime to prevent the plants from overheating in the sun. At night, close up the ventilation to keep the plants warm and protected from frost.
Let’s explore these techniques and how to use them to get more time on the front and back end of your growing season.
Low Tunnels
Low tunnels are simple structures that are designed to protect plants from the cold and other environmental factors. They are typically made from PVC pipe or metal hoops that are covered with clear plastic or row cover material. The plastic or row cover material creates a microclimate that helps to keep the plants warm and protected. They will typically provide your plants with an additional 5-8 degrees of warmth.
To create a low tunnel, start by installing hoops or pipes in your garden beds. Then, drape the plastic or row cover material over the hoops and secure it in place with clamps or weights such as heavy rocks. If you can bury the edges of the plastic or row cover that is even better! Be sure to open up the ends during the day to allow airflow to prevent burning the plants.
Low tunnels are perfect for extending your growing season in the spring and fall. They can help you get a jump start on your garden in the spring by warming up the soil and protecting your plants from frost. In the fall, they can help to extend your growing season by keeping your plants warm and protected as temperatures start to drop. Cold hearty vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, kale, and cabbages are great options for low tunnels.
High Tunnels
High tunnels are similar to low tunnels, but they are larger and more permanent structures. They are more similar to a greenhouse but do not have a heat source. High tunnels are typically made from metal hoops or pipes that are covered with greenhouse plastic. They can be used to extend your growing season even further than low tunnels.
You can purchase a high tunnel kit or purchase the materials yourself. To create a high tunnel, start by installing sturdy hoops or pipes in your garden beds. Then, cover the structure with greenhouse plastic and secure it in place. Make sure that the edges of the plastic are buried in the soil to prevent cold air from getting in. Depending on your specific tunnel, ventilation can be achieved with a door or simply by lifting up the sides during the day. I suggest installing before planting anything in the soil as you may disturb them during installation.
High tunnels are great for growing crops that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. They can also be used to grow crops that are not ideal for your local climate.
Floating Row Covers
Floating row covers are lightweight fabrics that are designed to be placed directly on top of your plants. They help to protect your plants from the cold, wind, and pests. They are also breathable, which allows air and moisture to pass through.
To use floating row covers, simply drape them over your plants and secure them in place with weights or clips. You can buy fabrics specifically for this purpose online or from a garden center yet you can also shop your home. The key is to choose a lightweight fabric that is breathable and allows light and water to pass through such as an old bed sheet or layered tulle.
Floating row covers are great for smaller areas in your garden such as a single raised bed or container gardens.
Cloches
Cloches are small, individual covers that are placed over individual plants. They are typically made from glass or plastic and are designed to protect plants from the cold and other environmental factors.
To use cloches, simply place them over your plants and secure them in place. Make sure that the edges of the cloches are buried in the soil to prevent cold air from getting in. Empty gallon milk or water jugs with the bottom cut out work well. But you can also use large pots with drainage holes, liter soda bottles, yogurt containers, etc… Just consider the size of the plant or seedling you are looking to protect and pick a container large enough that won’t damage the plant. Don’t forget to take them off during the day to prevent overheating.
Cloches are perfect for seedlings that have been recently planted out in the garden.
Cold Frames
Cold frames are a great way to extend your vegetable garden season by providing a sheltered environment for your plants to grow in colder weather conditions. These structures are typically made of wood or PVC and topped with a clear material such as glass or plastic, allowing sunlight to enter and warm the soil inside.
To construct one, choose the size and shape you want and select a location that receives ample sunlight. You can use many materials to build the walls such as wood, PVC, bricks or even hay bales. Attach a clear material like plexiglass, plastic, or a window to the top, ideally on a hinge for ventilation during the day.
Cold frames are a great option for cold-tolerant plants like spinach, cabbage, kale, and other brassicas.
