K-State Horticulture on how to garden through the winter

MANHATTAN (KSNT) – As the traditional outdoor gardening season comes to an end and plants make their way inside, Kansas State horticulture experts explain how to keep your plants thriving through the colder months.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests seasonal extension tools to continue growing your plants outside, as opposed to bringing them in. These tools work to insulate plants in any climate, allowing them to live beyond their typical growing season.

Some of these tools include:

• Low tunnels: This tool is effectively a large spun-bonded polyester or polypropylene blanket that is hangs above the crops, creating a “tunnel” where the crops can grow. Depending on the weather, thicker fabrics can be used for more frigid climates.
• Cold frames: These are effectively small greenhouses made of wood and framed with windows. Frames are typically built at an angle allowing more sunlight to reach your plants. They can be place directly over top your crops or planter boxes, allowing the frame to be moved if necessary.
• Milk jugs: Gardeners can cut the bottoms out of generic gallon jugs for milk or water and place them directly on top of individual plants. As long as the jug is secured to the ground, it should keep your plants insulated sufficiently through the winter. If you don’t enjoy the sight of milk jugs in your garden, they are also easily decorated.

Domenghini explains that crops like radishes, lettuce and spinach are great for growing beneath these season extenders, but that any cool season crop should work as well.

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