In Pennsylvania, fall veggies don’t have to bow out early thanks to season extenders. I’ve tried a bunch myself, and they really make a difference in keeping plants healthy and productive.
These 9 ways show you how to stretch your harvest and get the most from your garden. Keep your vegetables growing strong and enjoy fresh flavors well into the season!
1. Row Covers
Lightweight fabric row covers create a protective microclimate for your greens and root crops. Simply drape them over hoops or directly on plants when temperatures drop in Pennsylvania evenings.
They trap daytime heat while allowing rain and sunlight through. Most Pennsylvania gardeners find these perfect for protecting spinach, kale, and lettuce from light frosts without complicated setup.
2. Cold Frames
Imagine a miniature greenhouse that sits directly on your garden soil. Cold frames use old windows or clear plastic on a wooden box to create a cozy environment for cool-weather crops.
Pennsylvania gardeners particularly love these for growing arugula and spinach even when November brings the first snow. Remember to prop the lid open during sunny days to prevent overheating!
3. Hoop Houses
PVC pipes bent into semicircles create the perfect framework for plastic sheeting. These DIY structures work wonders for Pennsylvania gardeners growing fall carrots and beets.
The beauty of hoop houses lies in their versatility – tall enough to walk inside larger versions or small enough to cover just one bed. Many Pennsylvania families enjoy harvesting fresh veggies for Thanksgiving from these protective tunnels.
4. Mulch Insulation
Straw, leaves, or hay piled generously around root vegetables creates natural insulation against Pennsylvania’s freezing ground. The earth retains heat remarkably well when properly covered.
Many Pennsylvania gardeners successfully store carrots, parsnips and turnips right in the garden soil through winter using this method. Just brush aside the mulch and harvest fresh vegetables even after the ground would normally be frozen solid.
5. Water Walls
Plastic tubes filled with water surround vulnerable plants, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly overnight. This clever technique works especially well for pepper plants that Pennsylvania gardeners want to keep producing into late October.
The water moderates temperature fluctuations common in Pennsylvania’s fall season. As an added bonus, these water walls can be emptied and stored flat for next year’s garden protection needs.
6. Cloches
These individual plant protectors create mini-greenhouses for precious fall crops. Traditional glass cloches look beautiful, but plastic versions made from gallon jugs work just as effectively for Pennsylvania gardeners on a budget.
Simply cut the bottom off a clear container and place it over young plants. Pennsylvania vegetable lovers find these perfect for protecting late-planted lettuce seedlings from both frost and hungry rabbits that roam in fall.
7. Thermal Mass
Dark-colored stones or water-filled containers placed strategically throughout your garden absorb heat during daylight hours. At night, they slowly release this warmth, creating pockets of protection for nearby plants.
Pennsylvania gardeners find this technique especially helpful in foothill regions where temperature swings are dramatic. Some even combine thermal mass with other season extenders for maximum frost protection during unpredictable Pennsylvania autumn weather.
8. Low Tunnels
Shorter than hoop houses but taller than row covers, these versatile structures use metal hoops and plastic sheeting. They’re perfect for protecting half-rows of Pennsylvania fall broccoli and cauliflower from early frosts.
The real advantage comes from their easy installation and removal. Pennsylvania gardeners appreciate being able to ventilate or completely expose plants on warm autumn days, then quickly cover everything when evening temperatures threaten frost damage.
9. Greenhouse Extensions
Temporary greenhouse additions attached to existing structures extend your growing space affordably. Many Pennsylvania gardeners build these against south-facing walls using simple wooden frames and plastic sheeting.
The structure captures solar heat while the building provides wind protection and thermal stability. Even in Pennsylvania’s coldest regions, these extensions can maintain temperatures suitable for growing cold-hardy greens throughout most of winter.