Coldhouse growing is part of the growing trend to extend seasons. Although built differently, a well-insulated coldhouse can eliminate or reduce frost in the ground and keep temperatures well above outside temperatures. We are experimenting with both insulated and non-insulated as well as above-ground beds and in-ground beds. This provides the opportunity to test techniques for growing in a variety of conditions. We are also testing the use of frost-free hydrants, double-covering, and ridge vent  roofs, to name a few of the techniques we are using.

In order to extend late fall, winter and early spring growing, we are testing double-covering on a variety of crops including swiss chard, lettuce, collards, Kale and spinach. Other crops are in the rotation to be tested soon.

 

 

The following video was filmed Oct 21st and follows Conor McCarthy as he gives an overview of the crops we grow in the Coldhouse during the fall of 2017. The green peppers were started outside and then transplanted in the Coldhouse in mid July. They began to fruit in September and continued providing fruit until mid November. While the kale, spinach, chard, radishes, carrots, and lettuce were started from seed indoors and then planted in the Coldhouse as seedlings in September.