Embracing the Winter Garden: Growing in Zone 6 with Unheated Greenhouses and Hoop Houses
Winter often marks a time of dormancy for many gardens, but in Zone 6, there’s no need to hang up your gardening gloves when the first frost arrives. With the strategic use of unheated greenhouses and hoop houses, you can extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months.
An unheated greenhouse provides a buffer against the harsh winter conditions, allowing you to grow hardy crops that thrive in cooler temperatures.
Understanding Zone 6 Winters
Zone 6 typically experiences winter temperatures that can drop as low as -10°F (-23°C). While these cold snaps can be challenging, they also create the perfect environment for growing a variety of cold-hardy vegetables. The key is to provide just enough protection to keep the plants above their minimum temperature thresholds, which is where unheated greenhouses and hoop houses come into play.
Broccoli, cabbage, and kale growing under plastic. Photo credit: Ame Vanorio
Choosing the Right Crops
The success of your winter garden starts with selecting the right crops. Focus on vegetables that are naturally adapted to cold weather. Some of the best options include:
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula are all excellent choices. They can withstand frost and even taste sweeter after a light freeze.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, turnips, and beets grow well in the cooler temperatures of a winter garden.
Brassicas: Plants like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts thrive in the cold and continue to grow slowly throughout the winter.
Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and thyme can also do well, especially in the protected environment of a greenhouse or hoop house.
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Setting Up Your Unheated Greenhouse
An unheated greenhouse harnesses the sun’s energy to create a microclimate that’s warmer than the outside air. Even in the depths of winter, the temperature inside can remain significantly higher, providing a safe haven for your plants.
I salvage these metal hoop frames (picture below) from a tobacco farmer going out of business. If you see a decaying hoop house then ask if you can remove it and take the hoops. The plastic will probably be torn to shreds but you would have to replace it anyway.
The raised beds were made from oak boards from an old barn and the framing lumber was purchased new. Photo credit: Ame Vanorio
Site Selection: Place your greenhouse in a location that gets maximum sunlight, ideally with a southern exposure.
Insulation: You can use bubble wrap or thermal curtains to insulate the structure at night, retaining heat. A layer of mulch on the soil surface also helps keep roots warm.
Bales of straw around the outside of the greenhouse will also help insulate. Just make sure its not blocking light to shorter plants.
I mentioned using straw as a great insulator but never discount the help a good snow cover can give you. There is a reason that Igloos are used as temporary shelters during the winter.
3. Ventilation: Even in winter, ventilation is important to prevent moisture buildup and the growth of mold. Open the greenhouse on warmer days to allow air circulation.
4. Watering: Watering should be done carefully, as plants need less moisture in the winter. Water early in the day so the plants have time to absorb moisture before the temperature drops at night.
A polycarbonate greenhouse fits in well in a suburban neighborhood
Pre-Made Polycarbonate Greenhouses
You can also purchase a polycarbonate greenhouse. I will say the prices on these have dropped since they first came out. There are lots of options under $500 but make sure they are sturdy and have bracing. Also, you will need to make a foundation and anchor them well.
These are also a nice option if you are in an urban area and need something that looks nice and won't upset the neighbors.
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Utilizing Hoops for Extra Protection
Hoops are a cost-effective alternative to greenhouses, offering an additional layer of protection for your fall or winter garden. They are simple to construct and can be used in conjunction with other season-extending techniques.
Construction: Hoops can be made from PVC pipes or metal hoops covered with plastic sheeting. The structure is lightweight and easy to move if necessary. If you plan on making a number of metal hoops invest in a hoop bender to make nice uniform hoops.
Layering: Consider using row covers or frost blankets inside the greenhouse for extra insulation. This creates multiple layers of protection, trapping more heat and keeping your plants cozy.
Ventilation and Moisture Control: Similar to greenhouses, ensure that your hoop house has adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and mold.
Harvesting: With a hoop house, you can harvest fresh vegetables all winter long. Be sure to check your plants regularly, harvesting leaves or roots as needed. Many crops will continue to grow slowly.
You want a space that's multipurpose and justifies the cost. So in winter, I was growing nice fresh greens and in spring it was great for seedlings and in summer warm weather crops like eggplant. You can watch my eggplant video for tips on how the greenhouse is great for eggplant. I will say I typically ran out of plants to harvest in January before the cold got them. Photo credit: Ame Vanorio
Tips for Winter Gardening Success
Timing: Start your winter garden early in the fall, planting seeds or seedlings when the soil is still warm. This gives plants time to establish before the cold sets in.
Check out my article My Planting Schedule Zone 6b
Succession Planting: Plant crops in succession to ensure a steady supply of produce throughout the winter.
Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially when extreme cold is expected. In such cases, you might need to add additional layers of protection, such as old blankets or extra plastic sheeting.
Embrace the Slow Growth: Plants grow more slowly in the winter, so be patient. The trade-off is worth it, as you’ll enjoy fresh vegetables when others rely on grocery stores.
Resources
Also, I want to recommend Eliot Colemans books here. I'm probably showing my age but he does an excellent job giving details about winter farming in Maine.
Conclusion
Winter gardening in Zone 6 is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. With careful planning and a bit of effort, your garden can be a source of nourishment and joy all year round. So, don’t let the frost stop you—embrace the winter garden and keep growing!
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run, an experienced organic farmer, and an author. Check out her books on Amazon.
Getting your garden bed ready for winter is an important part of your annual garden chores. Taking this step in the late fall will help lower bug infestations, protect your soil, and allow you to get a headstart in the spring.