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Extending Your Garden into the Winter

© Arzeena Hamir

What can I still plant?

Even if you forgot to start your Brussels sprouts or kale back in June, there's still time to prepare for a winter vegetable garden. Although you won't be able to start them from seed, most brassicas like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, etc. can be transplanted now.

On the other hand, many winter greens like arugula, spinach, mizuna, tatsoi & mustard greens can still be started from seed (where you get the most bang for your buck!).Some winter lettuce varieties include Winter Density, Rouge D'hiver, Merveille (Continuity), & Artcic King. These greens are cold hardy and will tolerate a light frost. To keep them going through the winter, here are a few techniques to protect them from the cold.

Cloches and cold frames can protect plants from moderate frosts, and increase daytime temperatures by 5-20 degrees F. A simple cloche can also be constructed using ½" PVC pipe and sheets of plastic at least 5 feet wide and about 10 feet long. Cut 4 pieces of pipe into 5-foot lengths (angle the cuts) and bury each end into the soil at least 6 inches so that you have what looks like a series of crochet hoops. Space each pipe about 3 feet apart and then drape the plastic over them. You can secure the plastic by weighing down the ends with bricks or rebar or clip the plastic right to the pipe with large bulldog clips.

Cold frames are very much like mini greenhouses but with solid sides. They can be constructed using storm or sash windows and a simple wooden box or bricks for the base. No bottom is required which enables you to just lift the cold frame and move it around your garden. One trick to keep in mind is to make sure that the back of the box is about a foot higher than the front so that you can angle the lid and take advantage of as much sunlight during the winter and early spring.

Floating row covers, often sold as Reemay or Agrofabric, are made of spun-bonded polyester or spun-bonded polypropylene. The fabric allows light, water, and air to move through but enables you to have 2-8º of frost protection. The row covers are available in a variety of weights but for frost protection, 0.5 ounces per square yard is the minimum requirement.

Although the fabric is light enough to "float" over your plants, winter winds can cause abrasion so the cover should be supported with wire hoops or short stakes. To prevent the cover from blowing away, the ends should be weighed down with stones or buried right into the soil. Remember to leave enough slack to allow room for your plants to grow.