Hoops, frames and food

Cold frame, low hoops, sappy farmer

This time of year nature shifts from "summer" to "winter" in 24 hour mood swings.  So - it's our job to protect the plants as best we can with tools that make them "comfortable" and happy and ready to produce earlier and more actively.  Two of the tools we use are the cold frame (in the foreground) and the low hoop row.

The cold frame has a super high light transmitting plastic on the top.  It acts just like a green house - the rays of the sun warm things up inside and at night the warmth radiates back out keeping the plants happy and not frozen.  On warm, sunny days we actually have to prop the top open so things don't get baked like an oven.  Pretty simple design.

The low hoop tunnel is a different approach.  In this case it's about 60' long and made up of bend galvanized conduit pipes that make the "hoops".  Then over top of the hoops a special fabric is stretched that transmits most of the sunlight, blocks most of the wind and keeps freezing temperatures moderated.  When you are building one - you can select different weight fabrics that block more light but in return offer more frost protection.  Since this has been up for over a week now - and knowing our climate - we opted for a material that gives us 3-4 degrees of protection below freezing.

What's under the low tunnel?  Well - we have some mache growing, some lettuce, some spinach and some radishes.  All of them are up and all of them are doing well in their little protected micro-environment.

Why both a cold frame and a low tunnel?

Well - the cold frame words great to bring plants started under lights out into the world.  It's completely protected and has some shades added to the cover to prevent burning.  It's a great introduction to the world.  The low tunnel is a great place to actually seed plants in the soil while at the same time move plants from the cold frame to the low tunnel so they are still protected but get all the benefits of being outside.

So far - we are really liking this combination and it's been working well.  If you are in the CSA this year - keep your eyes here because in another week we might even give you a peek under the covers!

Comments

[Mandy]

I just like the sappy farmer and the cute dog!!! I want some of that awesome produce, please come teach Zach how to garden!!!

[Andy]

Given the mountains of work I have to tend to around here... you could bring him out... good lessons offered for free!

[Jeph]

Does that goofy smile say "look at my dirty knees"?

Cute pic with Watty - Doogie has that same toy!

[Mandy]

Andy,
I will definately bring him out, he is cheap labor too! Plus we would get to visit with you and Kelli.