Season Extension

Thinking about ways to extend the growing season in your school garden? What techniques or supplies would you need? How would extending the season affect your planting plan? The good news is that although many vegetables will expire with the first frost, with planning there are several methods that you can use to not only help protect your plants from the cold and extend Maine’s short growing season but keep them growing so you and your students can enjoy fresh vegetables all winter long.

Season extension options include: Plastic Mulches, Row Covers, Hot Caps, Cold Frames, Hoop Houses, Greenhouses as well as growing Indoors using Grow Towers and Aquaponics.

Seed quality matters and Maine seed companies would be a great place to start for advice on cold hardy plants. Examples of cold hardy plants to grow outdoors include kale, spinach, carrots, leeks, lettuce, cilantro, parsley and Asian greens like Bok Choy. Start your seeds in late summer or early fall for best results.

When selecting your choice for cover, the important questions to ask include Is it UV treated and will it hold up in the snow? Consider using a double set of covers such as straw paired with a row cover or hoophouse to increase protection. You can also make a hinged hoophouse for your raised beds!

Want to know more?!