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The Winter Garden

Is it too late for a winter vegetable garden?

9 years ago

I have a green house that I'm planning on heating and lighting for the winter. I'll have tomatoes in there, so it will be warm enough to start seeds. If I start the seeds now, and keep them in the green house until they mature a bit, can I put them in my outdoor winter garden? I have raised beds. I plan on putting row covers over them, and green house fabric over the whole garden, in effect a high tunnel.

I'm thinking the biggest problem is hardening off the plants. I'll have to accustom them to colder temps and less light. Is this doable?

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Comment (1)

szut (Zone 6 - MA)
9 years ago
I started seeds in a plastic covered hoop house (high tunnel) in late september through mid-October for a winter garden (direct sown in the soil) and then later put on floating row covers in zone 6 in Massachusetts without issue. I wish I started the plants earlier but I had plenty of greens for the winter. See my pic from late December attached.

Assuming that you aren't further north than I am (ie with less light) you might be okay.
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