Gardening in the Cold

On those cold nights in early autumn when we are heading towards the first frosts, or in those frosty or cold nights in early spring, you can protect your plants from the cold in a few different ways. You can plant them in a greenhouse or polytunnel, cover them with a coldframe or fleece, or plant/bring them inside. I’m going to go through all of these methods here, and will refer back to these in the plant specific posts.

Greenhouses

A transparent glass or plastic enclosed structure. They can protect plants from frost as well as pests. You can open windows for airflow and to let pollinators in. You can have beds in there for growing plants in their final position, or you can place pots/trays of seedlings or fully grown plants in them. You’ll need to manually water any plants that are in a greenhouse, unless you have an irrigation system set up. If you have a heated greenhouse you can grow things year-round, but if not then some plants won’t survive.

Polytunnels

A tunnel that is covered with translucent polyethelene, usually with a steel or plastic structure. They work in the same way as a greenhouse, but can be moved and are usually much cheaper. They heat up to make them warmer than the outside air and can protect from frosts, as well as many pests. Place it in the garden to cover plants that are in their final growing position or use it to protect potted plants and seedlings. Open vents and windows for airflow and to let pollinators in. You’ll need to manually water any plants that are in a polytunnel.

Coldframes

They are like a box that is either fully transparent or has a transparent lid. It’s placed over your plants, or plants in pots are placed in them. They protect plants from frost, and are especially useful for protecting plants from a one-off frost, or for getting a headstart on a small number of plants. They also offer protection from some pests. Open the lid during warmer days so that the plants don’t overheat. Plants will need to be manually watered.

Fleece

A lightweight, porous fabric that is wrapped around or covering plants, protecting them from frosts and many pests. Used to cover plants in pots or plants in the ground. Plants inside a fleece can sweat during the day in mild weather, as well as getting damp during the night, so it’s a good idea to open up or remove the fleece during the day to prevent rotting. These plants won’t need to be manually watered, unless you go through a dry spell. If you are using fleece for seedlings, then make a frame and cover the area with fleece.

Inside

Plant seeds in trays or pots inside, or grow potted plants inside. Plants inside are protected from almost all pests. South facing windows provide the best natural light, but this isn’t always enough, so you can use grow lights to provide plants with enough light to be healthy. Plants will need to be manually watered.