2018 Fall Home

2018 Fall Home & Garden Lincoln Daily News Sept. 26, 2018 Page 15 Can you grow fresh vegetables in the winter? Some people may not believe that it’s possible to grow fresh produce in the winter months. But according to a source from the University of Illinois Extension and Horticulture Professor Chris Enroth, one only needs the proper tools and strategies to do so. “Everyone can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce in the winter months,” according to this video. This video, like most resources on greenhouses in winter, features the use of a high tunnel building. High tunnels are a popular trend for growers and a proven technology for crop production. The term loosely defined, is a building primarily used for growing fruits and vegetables. Enroth admits in the video that although it seemed intimidating at first, he and a colleague were able to easily build it from scratch in two days. “We built our high tunnel spending only four hundred dollars,” says Enroth. A high tunnel can be built with kits that are sold online. Enroth says that in addition to high tunnels, those looking to grow crops in the winter can utilize low tunnels, or even just small cold frame boxes and ground covers, and still grow vegetables. “All of these are devices for season extension,” says Enroth. Winter Greenhouse In this example, the high tunnel is being used to grow cool-season vegetables, such as lettuce and bok choi. “My favorite crop that I’ve discovered growing this winter has actually been spinach and carrots,” says Enroth. Growing these crops in the winter has led to a sweeter tasting vegetable. This video gives a demonstration on what an inexpensive small greenhouse to grow in-ground vegetables and herbs might look like in winter. “It’s getting ready to be seed-starting season on the southern side, and…fresh green season on the north side,” according to the video. Continued nn