Extending the Growing Season Workshop

September 19th, 2012

1. Growing Season in Rhode Island
2012 season, the average number of frost-free days was 147
(Kingston, RI).
Growing season from May 8th to October 3.
Plant Hardiness Zones are geographically identified areas that
show a 10 degree difference between zones. These zones indicate
what plants will fair well in those locations.
The majority of Rhode Island is found in plant hardiness zone 6
(average annual low of 0 to -10), with only Block Island and the
Southern Coast and the east bay in zone 7 (average annual low of
10 through 0). Some maps show the North West corner of RI as
5b.
Average depth of frost penetration is between 25-30 inches.
120 average mean annual number of days with a minimum temp of
32 and below
Plant growth slows the most when day length drops below 10 hours,
from early November to Early February
Slow down of plant growth is not just light related, its also
temperature and wind related as well.

2. How do you want to extend the growing season?

Do you want to grow crops to be harvested and eaten in the
fall/winter?
Do you want to grow crops that will be ready to harvest in the
spring (overwinter)? Lettuces, spinach, onions

Location, Planning and Choosing the right Plants.

Creating Protected Microclimates- the climate of a small area that is
different within the greater area that surrounds it. Create a
microclimate suitable for what types of plants you want to grow.
Changing the microclimate can be as simple as planting your
garden on a south facing slope where there will be the most sun
exposure, planting in an area that is surrounded by a stone wall
that will trap heat, thus making the soil and the surrounding air
warmer, or planting near a hedgerow or row of shrubs to protect
plants from the cold winter winds.
The simplest way to harvest through the first few frosts is to plan on
a late planting including frost-hardy plants. Plant crops that have
harvest dates of 30, 60 and 90 days, and add a few days to
account for the fact that the plants may slow down as the weather
becomes cooler. Mulch around the plants to add a few degrees of

extra warmth to their roots. Growing in raised beds also helps

increase the soil temperature.
3. Plants

Choosing Plants for winter hardiness, including salad greens and

root vegetables- thrive in cold.
Typical growing methods for extending the growing season
Soil quality is important. Test and amend accordingly, especially if
you are using the same plots over and over. Till in peat moss (with
lime to reduce acidity) to improve structure and to make sure
enough moisture. Thermal decay of highly organic soil= warm
plants.

4. Methods of Extending the Growing Season

*make sure whatever you use is in a location that wont be shaded when the
sun is lower in the sky in the winter. Max out the sun.
*anti-drip coating on plastic- condensation in films not droplets- lets in more
light and film reflects waves from soil keeping it warmer at night
*Ventilate when temperature under the inner cover is 70 degrees, and by
March 15th, daily- too warm can be more damaging than too cold
*little supplemental moisture is needed in winter bc of the low evaporation &
high water tables
*Hay is also a good insulator around rows/raised beds/cold frames

Row Cover- spun-bonded fabric. Heavy ag fabric, while protecting

plants from the elements, only allows 50% sunlight, so its better to
go lightweight.
Mulch- insulation, discourages weeds, prevents soil erosion- be
careful what you use- nitrogen leaches with sawdust and bark
mulch. 1-2 inches good
Raised Beds- 8-12 degrees warmer if well managed.
Glass/Plastic Cloches
Cold Frames- grow at summer speed through November, then
semi-hybernate. equivalent of moving plants 1 USDA zones
warmer, angle so there is a better angle for light/rain and snow
runoff.
Low Tunnels/Hoop Houses- align on east-west axis, UV resistant
plastic, Elliot Coleman- 10ft lengths of electrical conduit, plastic or
metal, every 5 feet, covered with spun-bonded fabric held down
with sandbags at hoops. In Nov/Dec add 10 foot wide plastic over
row cover for snow protection- make sure you fully secure. In
places w heavy snow, hoops 2 feet apart.
High Tunnels- unheated & non-mechanically ventilated. unheated
is 6-7 degrees warmer
Row Cover/Tunnel Combo- 12 inches above soil, equivalent of
moving plants 3 USDA zones warmer, row covers are easy to

manage in high tunnels supported by flat-topped wire wickets and

held by clothes pins.