THE KSL GREENHOUSE SHOW

Extend your growing season with cold frames

Feb 9, 2024, 12:00 PM

cold frames shown, they help to extend your growing season...

Cold frames are different from greenhouses. Greenhouses can be heated or cooled depending on how you control their temperature. On the other hand, cold frames can only rely on the sun for their heat source. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a gardener’s dream to be able to grow vegetables year-round. However, it’s not so easy with the changing seasons. Luckily, there are ways you can extend your growing season.

Utah State University Extension Professor JayDee Gunnell joined KSL Greenhouse Hosts Taun and Maria to discuss how cold frames can help you garden for just a bit longer.

Extending the Gardening Season with Cold Frames…
37 minutes

JayDee built a 24-foot by 50-foot high tunnel, a taller and wider version of a cold frame. After experimenting with it, he realized there were some advantages.

“What I’ve noticed is that I can get a month earlier planting in the spring, and I can extend my season by a month on the backend,” he said.

Cold frames are different from greenhouses. Greenhouses can be heated or cooled depending on how you control their temperature. On the other hand, cold frames can only rely on the sun for their heat source.

“I’ve learned the hard way that inside that high tunnel is easily 30 to 40 degrees warmer than outside [during the day]. Then at night it still freezes and it’s at ambient temperature because there’s no inputs,” JayDee said.

Although there’s not much he can do with it at this time of the year, he can start looking into warm-season vegetables come April.

For more information, check out this in-depth report from Taun and JayDee.

The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and on our website.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

The KSL Greenhouse Show

High tunnels...

Michelle Lee

Extending your gardening season with high tunnels

Setting up a high tunnel takes time and devotion, and it’s a completely different form of gardening. Here's what to know before getting started.

22 hours ago

Cut flowers...

Michelle Lee

Beginner’s guide to growing cut flowers

A Utah horticulturist shared some beginner-friendly tips for those who want to try growing cut flowers at home.

8 days ago

Forcing bulbs...

Michelle Lee

Winter gardening technique: Forcing bulbs to bloom indoors

Forcing bulbs is a technique that can trick spring bulbs into blooming even in the winter.

15 days ago

Amaryllis...

Michelle Lee

How to successfully care for an amaryllis

Do you have an amaryllis but have no idea how to care for it? Here are some tips from KSL Greenhouse Host Taun Beddes.

22 days ago

Preparing for garden season? Now's the time to look into seed catalogs....

Kennedy Camarena

Preparing for garden season: Seed catalogs 101

Looking to prepare for gardening season? The KSL Greenhouse Show hosts have some tips on how to order from seed catalogs.

27 days ago

Varieties of tomato seeds in 2004...

Michelle Lee

Time to order tomato seeds

It’s not yet time to plant tomato seeds, but it is time to order them. Here are some tips that can help you get started.

29 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Extend your growing season with cold frames