Winter Gardening

Many people assume after the first frost in the fall our gardening activities cease.  However, there are several things that will continue to grow right though the winter, especially if protected from the elements.  Lettuce and spinach are the ones we've had the most success with.  We grow these in our hoophouse and also in "cold frames".  Tom constructed our cold frames out of used storm doors that he bought from our local Habitat ReStore.  To be successful, you need to plant the seeds in September to give the plants time to get well rooted before cold weather sets in.  This can be tricky in Oklahoma since it can still be pretty hot in September and you have to be vigilant to keep the little plants well watered.  We were late this year and didn't get this spinach planted until late October.  But, since we had a mild fall, it has survived and is doing well.