Learn the best time to harvest greens in winter from an unheated greenhouse, hoop house, or cold frame…

Winter gardening can be so rewarding. Cold-weather crops can often live all winter long with just a bit of protection – even in growing zones 6 and below. There’s nothing like lifting up your cold frame cover or opening your hoop house with snow all around and finding a bed of lush, bright green leaves waiting for you! However, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind about harvesting greens in winter.

First of all, many greens are a lot tougher than you may think. I’ve had kale and collards survive single digits just covered by an old blanket. Even though they might be frozen solid overnight, once the temperatures under your covering warm up during the day, most of the time they will perk up just fine. It’s important that you don’t harvest them while they are frozen, or you’ll end up with wilted, mushy greens.

This quick video from OneYardRevolution discusses when and how to harvest winter greens from an unheated hoop house, cold frame, or greenhouse – and when not to: