Get LOW in Spring

There comes a time when we all just want to start planting in our gardens again, and a low tunnel provides an earlier-is-better option.

- MICHELLE BRUHN

Growing under the cover of a low tunnel is an easy way to get a jump start with your spring vegetable garden. These temporary structures are miniature versions of greenhouses. The domed plastic is great at trapping and holding heat in the soil.

Quick, easy and inexpensive to build, low tunnels can be popped up anywhere, so they also work well with crop rotation. These extend the growing season in the spring to warm soil for earlier planting and in the fall to keep cold hearty crops in the garden longer.

Low tunnels are great at trapping and holding heat in the soil. They can be used in winter and early spring to protect crops from cold injury and wind and during summer with shade cloths to protect crops from insects and high temperatures.

CROP SELECTION

You'll also need to start with cold hardy crops. Some of the best choices are brassicas (aka cole crops) such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and kale, plus beets, radishes and spring greens.

The listed plants will start germinating at temperatures around 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Another good list is "Crops for Early Spring" on page 59.