Winter High Tunnel Gardening

Are you looking for ways to keep your garden producing even when the Midwest winter sets in? 

Curious how some growers are able to harvest fresh greens and herbs while others’ gardens lie dormant under frost and snow? 

High tunnels are the secret to extending your growing season, protecting crops from harsh weather, and maintaining fresh, nutrient-rich produce throughout winter.

What to Plant in a High Tunnel in Winter

While winter in the Midwest is harsh, high tunnels make it possible to keep producing. Focus on cold-

hardy crops that thrive in lower light and cooler temperatures.

• Leafy greens: Spinach (a standout for overwintering), kale, mache
• Brassicas: Mustard greens, Asian greens (tatsoi, mizuna)
• Herbs: Parsley and chives can often survive through winter in tunnels

Planting Timeline (Midwest, Winter):

• November – December: Sow spinach, and baby greens  and mache for harvest in late winterearly spring
• December – January: Protect existing crops with row covers to maintain growth
• February – March: Transplant kale, swiss chard, and head lettuces Start cool-weather seedlings inside the tunnel for an early spring harvest
• April–May: Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers, in the hoophouses under row covers or low tunnels to get an early start on the summer harvest

Learn more about the best times to plant in your high tunnel in our latest article! 

Keep Your Winter Harvest Thriving with a High Tunnel

Don’t let winter slow down your harvest. With the right cold-hardy crops and proper planning, your high tunnel can keep producing fresh, healthy vegetables all season long. If you’re ready to get started, get your high tunnel quote on our website! 

Fall Planting in a High Tunnel

Are you wondering how to keep your high tunnel productive as summer winds down? 

Curious which crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand the first frost? 

If you’ve been looking for ways to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into fall, you’re not alone. Midwest growers rely on high tunnels to outsmart unpredictable weather and maximize their harvest, and with the right fall planting plan, you can too.

What to Plant in a High Tunnel in Fall

As summer winds down, it’s time to transition your high tunnel to cool-weather crops. Here are the best
options for Midwest growers:

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy
• Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, dill

Planting Timeline (These Fall date-ranges are for lower Michigan - adapt them to your climateMidwest, Fall):

• Mid-Late August – Early September: Bunching kale, swiss chard, spinach, beets, carrots
• September – October: Head lettuce, spinach, radishes, turnips, herbs
• October – November: Direct-seeded baby Cold-hardy greens like lettuce, mizuna, mustard, and kale. (Spinach and kale for overwintering.)

Learn more about crop rotation and best planting timing in our latest article! 

Extend Your Fall Harvest with a High Tunnel: Plan Your Planting Today!

With the right crops and timing, your high tunnel can keep producing fresh, healthy vegetables well into the cooler months. Don’t let the season slip by—plan your fall planting today!

Get your high tunnel quote!