Strategies for Expanding Autumn Garden into Winter: Utilizing Covers, Hoops, and Creative Extensions for Continuous Growth in Cold Seasons
Hankering for the fresh flavors of summer's bounty even during the frosty months? No worries, mate! Here are some strategies to help you harvest garden harvests well into the chilly season.
Using covers and hoops over your crops in fall can extend your garden's life into late autumn and possibly winter. Keep reading to learn about the different types of covers and the best hacks for a successful fall and winter garden.
Covers
There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to covers, and each one has its pros and cons, so let's take a look at a few options:
Insect Netting
Good for the beginning of your fall garden when pest pressure is high, insect netting can prevent bugs from nibbling holes into your plants' leaves. Most brands let in over 90% of sunlight without heat buildup, and they are easy to drench with rainfall.
Shade Cloth
A great choice for the beginning of fall, shade cloth allows around 65% of sunlight but still enables sufficient growth for most crops. It's essential to use it only during the hotter weeks, though—usually for a couple of weeks, until the temperature drops.
Floating Row Cover
The best cover to protect your crops from the cold, depending on the brand and type, it allows 75-85% light through while providing frost protection down to 27-30 degrees F. This cover can protect frost-tolerant crops, but be cautious with freezing temperatures.
Frost Blanket
A heavier version of the floating row cover, the frost blanket allows half of the light transmission. Though it can be left on for short winter days, it's a good idea to remove it during the day to take advantage of the sunlight. Even in freezing temperatures, it can get surprisingly warm inside the blanket on sunny days.
Plastic Tarp
Intended for use in extreme cold, plastic tarps should be used with care. If used without a structure, they should go strictly over a floating row cover and not directly touch the crops—this can cause freeze damage. Make sure to vent or remove the tarp during the day to prevent excess heat buildup.
Cold Frame
A structure made from plastic or glass, cold frames serve as a greenhouse in the winter without the need for additional heat. They are typically 12" tall on the north side, 8" tall on the south side, but can vary in size. As the sun warms up the southern side, it's important to vent the cold frame to prevent overheating.
Greenhouse
A larger version of the cold frame, greenhouses can be heated in the winter but aren't necessary. They're ideal for container gardening during the cooler months of the year. To provide extra protection, cover your containers when freezing temperatures are expected. Many greenhouses come with automatic ventilation for added convenience.
Hoops
Now that you know what to cover your crops with, let's explore some hoop options to keep structural supports simple:
PVC
Relatively cheap and accessible, PVC piping can space the hoops fairly close together if needed, providing solid structure. Though some fear UV damage over time, it shouldn't be a concern for most.
Galvanized Metal Conduit (EMT)
Easily found at hardware stores, galvanized metal conduit can be a bit expensive compared to PVC. If you don't have the right tools to bend it yourself, this can add to the expense. If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall, though, this option is sturdy enough to hold up the weight.
Wire Hoops
Lightweight and easy to install, wire hoops can be found in various options, but they aren't as sturdy as other options. Despite their lack of strength, they are easy and functional, making them a suitable choice for many gardeners.
Caterpillar Tunnels
All-in-one solutions, caterpillar tunnels are excellent for busy gardeners looking for a quick option. They come with covers attached and are best for small spaces or a few beds.
Hacks
To keep crops thriving through the cooler months, here are a few hacks:
South Facing Slope
To maximize heat absorption, hill up a row with east-west ridges at a 40-degree angle. This can help you capture heat from the southern sun and give you a 30% gain in total heat absorption.
Windbreaks
Protect your crops from harsh winds by installing a fence or hedge to create a barrier. Windbreaks can increase the air temperature by 1-7 degrees, depending on the time of year.
Soil & Mulch Cover
Just like darker clothing can make you warmer outside, darker soil compost or mulch can raise soil temperature, creating a more favorable environment for plants. Don't overlook the importance of soil temperature in the resilience of your crops to cold.
Extra Heat
Add stones, bricks, or water-filled jugs inside covered areas to retain heat during the day and keep it warmer at night.
Follow these strategies to extend your growing season and continue enjoying fresh garden harvests well into winter. Good luck, and let me know if you have success with any of these methods!
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- For a successful fall garden, consider using cover crops like insect netting, shade cloth, floating row cover, frost blanket, or plastic tarps to protect plants from pests, cold, and excessive heat.
- Hoops made of PVC, galvanized metal conduit (EMT), wire, or caterpillar tunnels can provide structural support for your covered crops and make gardening during the chilly season more manageable.
- Implementing gardening hacks such as a south-facing slope, windbreaks, soil and mulch cover, and extra heat sources can further enhance the productivity of your fall and winter garden, helping you enjoy garden harvests well into the winter months.
