How do I extend my vegetable growing season

If you’re a home gardener, you know how exciting it is to be able to harvest your own fresh vegetables. But, as the weather starts to cool, your vegetable growing season may be coming to an end. Fortunately, there are ways to extend your vegetable growing season and enjoy fresh vegetables for longer.

One way to extend your vegetable growing season is to use season extenders. Season extenders are simple structures that provide protection from the elements and can extend the growing season by several weeks. These structures include cold frames, row covers, and greenhouses. Cold frames are small, four-sided structures that are placed over your garden beds and can be opened and closed to regulate the temperature. Row covers are lightweight fabric covers that are laid over your garden beds to provide frost protection. Greenhouses are larger, more permanent structures that can provide temperature and light control.

Another way to extend your vegetable growing season is to choose the right varieties. Many vegetables have varieties that are bred to withstand cooler temperatures and can be planted in late summer or early fall. These “fall varieties” can be harvested as late as the first frost. Some common fall varieties include kale, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.

Finally, you can extend your vegetable growing season by using succession planting. Succession planting is the practice of planting the same crop at different times throughout the growing season. This allows you to harvest the same crop multiple times throughout the season.

By using season extenders, choosing the right varieties, and practicing succession planting, you can extend your vegetable growing season and enjoy fresh vegetables for longer.