Season extension allows market farmers to keep producing and harvesting crops well past the traditional end of the growing season. With the right techniques, you can bring more crops to market in the fall—and even into early winter.
Why Season Extension Matters
Produce more with what you have – Increase overall production without adding more land or major infrastructure.
Get to market early (and stay late) – Win loyal customers at the start and end of the season when competition is lower.
- Increase off-season yields – Keep cash flow steady and profitable.
Great Crops for Fall Growing
Some crops naturally thrive in cooler weather, especially when given protection. The key is planting in late summer— before light levels and temperatures drop.
Beets – Start early for fall harvest; protect once freezing begins.
Spinach, Kale, Chard – Use protection to maintain quality and regrowth.
Lettuce, Arugula – Must be well protected to prevent damage from freezing.
💡 Pro Tip: Get started early. Don’t wait for cool weather—fall crops need time to establish before days shorten. Keep planting and keep records.
Crop Protection Tools to Extend the Season
Hoop Houses – The gold standard for season extension. These structures are expensive, but offer the most protection and control.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Add frost covering on top of crops either directly or with low tunnels inside the hoop house for added protection
Low Tunnels Inside Hoop Houses – Bringing a low tunnel into the hoop house adds a second layer of protection- further extending your harvest.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Vent during the day by lifting the sides of your tunnel.
Direct Frost Cloth – Covering your beds with frost cloth is a simple form of protection but requires lots of weights to hold it down.
Low Tunnels in the Field – Protects and keeps coverings off leaf tips to prevent freezing and damage. LowCat-style tunnels hold coverings in place without rocks or sandbags and make venting and harvesting easier.
Why Do Low Tunnels Work?
Low tunnels create a microclimate —shielding crops from frost and cold winds while trapping heat stored in the soil during the day. This can mean the difference between a short fall harvest and a long, profitable one.
Types of Low Tunnel Coverings
Perforated Poly
Protects against frost and wind while allowing excess heat to escape.
Ideal for shoulder seasons.
Excellent light transmission keeps plants growing strong.
Frost Cloth
Available in multiple weights for different levels of protection as temperatures begin to drop.
Works well layered under heavy-duty poly for overwintering.
Heavy-Duty Poly
Best for extreme cold, snow, and wind.
Keeps overwintering crops protected for early spring harvest.
Add a second layer of protection by adding frost cloth under the poly.
💡 Pro Tip: Space hoops close together (about 4 feet) for snow load. Always vent during sunny or warm spells to prevent overheating.
Final Thoughts
By combining the right crop choices with effective season extension tools, market farmers can harvest weeks—or even months—longer than unprotected crops. That means high-quality produce for your customers, stronger market presence, and better returns for your farm.
DISCOVER LOWCAT KITS AND COVERINGS TO EXTEND YOUR GROWING SEASON