How Our Winter Garden Survived -23°F (-31°C) With No Heat

Please join me for an update on our winter garden after a week of subzero temperatures and a low of -23°F (-31°C).
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Highlights:
0:22 How we protected plants from the cold
0:22 Didn't remove snow from north wall and bottom of hoop house
0:50 Covered outside and inside of door with 6 mil greenhouse film
1:52 Why I did not use supplemental heat
2:23 Covered cold frame and low tunnels with 2 extra layers of 6 mil greenhouse film (5 layers of cover total)
3:42 Temperatures outside versus hoop house
4:34 How did the plants hold up to the extreme cold?
6:50 The plants we're growing are more cold hardy than most people think
Oscar Cameos:
4:14 4:34 6:21 8:16
I'm passionate about an approach to organic gardening that is frugal, easy, sustainable, and works with nature to achieve amazing results. My videos will help you grow more healthy organic fruits and vegetables, while working less and saving money. I don't push gardening products. I don't hype bogus "garden secrets". I provide evidence based strategies to help you grow a lot of food on a little land without spending much or working harder than you have to!

[@OneYardRevolution]

If you shop on Amazon, you can support OYR simply by clicking this link (bookmark it too) before shopping: www.amazon.com/?tag=oneya-20 Highlights: 0:22 How we protected plants from the cold 0:22 Didn't remove snow from north wall and bottom of hoop house 0:50 Covered outside and inside of door with 6 mil greenhouse film 1:52 Why I did not use supplemental heat 2:23 Covered cold frame and low tunnels with 2 extra layers of 6 mil greenhouse film (5 layers of cover total) 3:42 Temperatures outside versus hoop house 4:34 How did the plants hold up to the extreme cold? 6:50 The plants we're growing are more cold hardy than most people think Oscar Cameos: 4:14 4:34 6:21 8:16

[@sbfarmer8]

the only time I have lost plants from cold, is when the leaf freezes. this makes sense of course, the frozen leaf loses cellular integrity and can not recover. the ground does not freeze here and your solution has mitigated that as well.

[@_Andrew._]

You could possibly add a compost heap in one corner, that way the heat generated could warm the space.

[@rfoehn5215]

What part of the world/country are you located?

[@OneYardRevolution]

We harvest and eat our winter crops all winter long. I'm not sure where you got the idea that we didn't.

[@OneYardRevolution]

I never said or implied in any way that I don't harvest crops in winter. I have numerous winter harvest videos, including the 2 videos that preceded this one. Organic greens are not inexpensive.

[@brian4479]

You could compost inside the hoop house to keep it warm too

[@nhlninetyfour]

Good idea

[@rubygray7749]

@@nhlninetyfour Great idea, but it's too small for that. You would need at least 40" x 40'' floor area, plus room to work around it. There would be the danger of damaging the plastic with tools. But it would be great to build a large insulated compost heap outside, with water pipe coiled through it, and running into the greenhouse where it would constantly radiate heat, day and night.

[@Thrash230723]

Ohhh!! Good idea!

[@MikeD-qx1kr]

great idea!

[@toutatismoralis285]

I've heard that composting inside a greenhouse can release gasses that the plants will not like. It is better to compost in an isolated room and to run water heater system through it to circulate into radiators inside the greenhouse.

[@maryt8377]

I use a metal bucket with hot coals overnite to keep greenhouse warm. The plants love the CO2 and the warmth 👍😁

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Hey, good idea.

[@systlin2596]

Oh that's a really good idea. Thanks!

[@AgeofReason]

That's a really good idea.

[@theCodyReeder]

Be sure to air it out in the morning before going in. Wouldn’t want to drop dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. 😅

[@maryt8377]

@@theCodyReeder -How ridiculous are you ? I've walked in every morning and air it out for the breeze to dry out the walls , not from asfixiation. You probably think CO2 is causing global warming .I grew a vege patch in green house for the coming Grand Solar Minimum and it serving me well .Ice age is coming - Like it or not .

[@LL-oc1xw]

Really hope you are doing okay - so many of us here miss your videos. You've been so informative and generous sharing with all of us. Hoping and praying you're well. :-)

[@JebGardener]

It's nice to see your garden survived the cold. thanks!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Jeb!

[@iphukkedurmom6827]

The Legend!

[@overthenever4262]

Jeb!!!!!🐰

[@spoolsandbobbins]

The health and colour of your greens is nearly unbelievable!!! You must have INCREDIBLY fertile soil. And I’m so happy for you that there was so much sun!!!! You’ve inspired our family so much here in Nova Scotia when our temps don’t get quite that low (this year perhaps only -30 WITH wind chill). It’s just amazing what u can do and grow with a little effort and passion! Thank you!!

[@dordo123]

Thanks for using the temperatures in Celsius.

[@rachelmacdonald9195]

This is truly impressive. I live where it gets to -30C and -35C for a few days and sometimes even a a few days down to -42C or so, and I would never have considered it possible to grow vegetables even in a hoop house in this kind of environment!

[@sheraleethomas]

How I wish this channel would come back! It was SO informative and educational.

[@ale347baker]

What happened to it, do you know?

[@GraeMatterz]

I agree. I really miss Patrick's posts. OYR is one of my favorite channels. I moved into a new place last year that has enough room in the yard so I can have a garden (and plan on adding a greenhouse in the future). It's also in 5b (but in the Rockies) so I can really appreciate Patrick's experience and can at least re-watch the old videos.

[@junehansen7788]

well all he´s plants are dying on this movie. low dropping is a sign of dying.

[@ruolbu]

@@junehansen7788 nah, you can see a video where he is harvesting these plants after they recovered

[@bearrivermama6414]

I feel your pain! We had -49 and wind chills at -70. Nice old northern Minnesota weather. This gives me hope. We are hoping to build a greenhouse and hoop tunnel next year.

[@davidmicheletti6292]

Bear River Mama We also live in northern Minnesota and have been planning a greenhouse of some sort for sometime now. Right now we are looking at earth shelter.

[@bearrivermama6414]

David Micheletti I considered an earth shelter as well but decided I wanted to make a little cottage greenhouse that could also be my she-shed/ art studio. I hope to put in a wood stove so I can use it year round. I have already started using hoop tunnels and they are great!!!! It adds so much growing time on a short season. I'm sure you can fully relate! Best of luck in your future build! I would love to know how it pans out! I am very curious how well the sunken greenhouse performs!

[@bearrivermama6414]

David Linken trust me, I am apparently not a typical Minnesota voter! I find it kinda embarrassing to discuss the Minnesota political lineup. 🙄

[@bearrivermama6414]

David Linken trust me, I am apparently not a typical Minnesota voter! I find it kinda embarrassing to discuss the Minnesota political lineup. 🙄

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Ohhhhburrrrchillll

[@leidycasadiego3535]

Being in zone 5 and seeing this being possible is unreal! Thank you so much for the video!

[@theenergygardening823]

Last year, my first green house, collapsed with the weight of the snow. Ofcourse that was my first attempt. This year I have better idea to improve the strength and was further looking for heating options, which I now have to begin with the fall/winter months here in the PNW. Thank you for sharing!

[@marysgarden]

Thank you for the inspiration. I'm a fellow chicagoan and never thought it was possible. I grow indoors in the winter months Maybe it's time to expand the garden!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Hi Mary! Yeah, it can definitely be done in Chicago if you have a spot that gets plenty of sun in winter.

[@maryt8377]

@@OneYardRevolution I live in the Toowoomba area- Australia on the range and fortunately get endless sunny days. Chicago... perhaps LED lights ? They are cheap to run power wise. It would be difficult if you have endless days below / close to freezing days , months on end . Consider moving yourself south? It may be imperative with the colder yrs ahead that are coming . ( not global warming... infact the opposite is true ,a cold trend in on the doorstep for the next couple of decades . Thats why I started my vege garden 18 months ago ,knowing inflation is coming due to crop losses by wild storms , hail, flooding, freezing etc . Get prepped 👍

[@fuupdaass275]

What is for dinner Mary?

[@linaantonova9006]

Hi Patrick! I am a longtime gardener of the old school methods. I recently discovered the magic of permaculture and I am just amazed at how awesome, practical and logical it is! Can't believe I've done it the wrong way all these years! I Absolutely love all your videos, so instructive and well structured! I binge them in every spare minute I get! I am from Montreal Qc, and with our harsh winters, I am sooo inspired by your hoophouse, I've never had the courage to try one for the whole winter because I though it would be pointless, but you inspired me! We will be building one this summer! We just purchased our new home with a decent (by Montreal standards) back yard and I CAN NOT WAIT to start our first raised beds, we'll be starting them this fall tho, as per your recommendations, we'll observe well the first summer, and we'll be doing the lasagna layering method to start up the good ground! I have a few questions for you: 1- I can't stop wondering how big is your back yard? We have young kids so at least a part has to stay grassy (clovers :) ), I wonder how much I should take up for the garden part... aaaaaand most importantly: 2- currently the yard is a wasteland where two huge shepherds run and make all their needs, the ground is a beige-grey dust where absolutely nothing grows... maybe too acidic from the dog urine... I wonder how we should decontaminate, or should we just dig up the parts for the garden, discard that soil and add on new ground (and then do the lasagna layers for the raised beds)? Huge thanks for your time, and by the way I am primarily french-speaking so sorry if some stuff is unclear.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Lina! Congratulations on your new home and future garden! The yard is 15.24 by 7.62 meters. I wouldn't remove any soil, but I'd probably build raised beds to ensure the soil is in good shape. I hope this helps!

[@preciousmetalhead5155]

You know you’re a real gardener when shoveling snow is part of your daily chores in the garden.

[@sandradoane6684]

Really miss your videos and information. As we head into the winter re-watching your cold weather gardening videos. This is my first year finally with a small low tunnel. It’s my first attempt and hoping all goes well. Best to you and your family and Oscar too.

[@MH-rj3jf]

i love the occasional cat zoom-in edits. clear, informational, and cute.

[@jeep4ron]

That’s just amazing that the plants made it through that cold weather. I just finished my green house. I’m ready for seeds mid February.. And build some cold frames this year too. Thank you for all your insight on growing under cover..!! Have a warm fantastic day..!!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks! Best wishes with your February planting. I'll be planting undercover in February too.

[@juliekooiker3408]

I miss my favorite gardener sooo much!!!!

[@maryedmo7798]

As I watched you shoveling the snow to open the hoop house, I thought he's a gardening warrior. You teach us so much! Thanks!

[@someguy6924]

the greenhouses have a very cute anti-rabbit device 🐈‍⬛

[@stephenoshaughnessy2279]

Concerning heaters in your greenhouse, you can run the power cord through some PVC pipe that is buries underground. The power cord can emerge inside the greenhouse and plug into a heater. You can turn the heater off and on from inside the house.

[@farstrider79]

Careful doing that. Power cords are not designed to be used that way, they use air to shed heat. If you put an insulated cord in a pipe and bury it, you could overheat it.

[@alterego157]

@@farstrider79 Electrical conduit

[@wolvenar]

@@farstrider79 To be fair, if it's that cold, there is a lot of heat being drawn away.

[@AnimosityGamers]

@@farstrider79 your right. Its safer to run NMD-U or TEK wire without pipe thats designed to be direct buried underground or run XLPE single conductor in pipe and junction boxs on each side that change over to Cabtire with plugins to use. Running cabling not meant for pipe degrades its ampacity that it can carry safely which leads to fires.

[@johncoleman1935]

In the US we use UF (underground feeder), wire, conduit is relatively cheap and adds extra protection, also makes it easier to upgrade or add to late on. Just don't overfill the conduit and overheating the wire isn't a problem. Plenty of charts online to help with determining conduit size plan for the future.

[@hubertyoung5571]

Thank you. You are an inspiration for Canadian gardeners like me. I live in Manitoba on 89 acres. Planning to Market next year, ( retirement).

[@reneebrown2968]

I love this idea of growing veggies and fruits during the winter. I live in southern Alabama so our cold is a very different cold. With our highs are higher but our colds are wetter and bone chilling at times. Because of the climate changes i put in a greenhouse 2 years ago. I heat mine with water barrels painted black. So far my bananas love it. I mainly keep my tropical plants in there because all my raised beds are set up to take hoop covers. But I still like to watch northern gardeners and how they grow food so in the future if i need to i can incorporate their ideas to my growing conditions as i need

[@jonchamness2410]

I will definitely look into a hoop house here in Wyoming we are 4b but a lot of the problem is the wind chill although we do get down to -40F almost every February it has to be worth a shot for cold hardy greens!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Hi Jon! 4B is more of a challenge that what we face, but you can definitely extend your season for a number of crops, and carrots, spinach, mache, claytonia, and kale should make it through the winter under double cover.

[@jonchamness2410]

@@OneYardRevolution thank you so much for your excellent advice and awesome videos. Do you and your wife not eat any animal products?

[@char-knee496]

I am 4b also. Right now I have 4 feet of snow on my garden area. I am going to try a hog panel hoop and see how it does next year. I gotta remember the 2nd hoop too. . Thank you

[@s.leemccauley7302]

This information is about the best I have seen on this subject. And it is timely for those who can begin preparing next winter. Especially first timers.

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

This is very interesting. I love how clearly you go through all the temps inside and out and explain your process.

[@lamprinedatsika6292]

Hello Patrick. Very impressive that your garden survived with so low temperatures! The greenhouse is a big deal. You have done a great job and your garden looks like a summer. Bravo Patrick. Congratulations!!!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks!

[@PlantObsessed]

I think this does it for me. I'm in central Illinois and had similar temperature. I have an idea to make my raised bed garden into a convertible hoop house for next season.

[@robertjohnson6586]

I live in Gunnison, CO, second coldest city in the lower 48, at 7700 feet. Last night was -24, which ain't unusual around here. I have not all that well constructed cold frames in a 21 x 60 hoophouse unheated). Depending upon how large the cold frame is a I have an incondescent (for the heat, not the light -- 40 or 60 watt flood) light bulb in each cold frame. Right now I have cold frames with either lettuce, spinach, or peas growing in them. I have grown scallions, beets, carrots, asian greens, kale, and tomatoes (yes tomatoes, they start coming up like weeds in December from the previous summer crop of fallen fruit). I usually put a piece of foam insulation over the cold frame top at night with a couple of bricks to hold it down when it starts getting really cold. This method works outdoors (no hoophouse) as well, but the snow makes it difficult to take care of. Tested to well below -30. A few years ago we had 4 weeks of -18 or colder every night and no problem.

[@OneYardRevolution]

That's great to hear, Robert! If you can do it there, it can be done anywhere in the lower 48. Thanks for letting me know!

[@MrBCorp]

I'm watching this after we've just had a couple of days in the high 30's (celsius). It's amazing to see food growing in such cold conditions. I couldn't imagine it. Thanks for the informative video.

[@thebelieversplace]

I had a 13' x 25' greenhouse a few years ago. Heating cost , too much. Tree feel on top of it and destroyed it. Now I am making a greenhouse 10'x10'x10' greenhouse. If there is one thing that I get from this videos is the importance of layers. I know that all so well. You really had a very cold test. I want to try to grow some of the things that may be harder to grow in the winter, tomatoes, cucumbers. I am trying to grab all the info and place it in my head and come up with an action plan. Thanks for the video.

[@margaretpriddle9541]

I was wondering how you made out in the bitter cold, you have demonstrated what is possible with the right set up. Thanks for providing the metric conversions, it is much appreciated. Enjoy all of those greens,

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Margaret!

[@rubygray7749]

I have so many problems in my garden, but am so glad that snow & temps like these are not among them! Even though you & I live at identical latitudes, on opposite sides of the equator. I am constantly amazed by how you manage to cope with such extremes and make your garden so productive.

[@pyramydseven]

I saw the black buckets early. Nice work!

[@imlew7853]

So true. Insulated blankets will not thoroughly protect, the more so with freezing wind. Adding plastic or any waterproof/resistant material over blanket keeps the heat and moisture like the science behind space blankets. Unfortunately, there are very few information out there regarding this method. Your video will surely save a lot of winter heartaches.

[@perryleopold7555]

Excellent information. Your very proactive in covering and uncovering plants. This is a huge asset. Successful gardening in both summer and winter is very hands on.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Perry!

[@SeniorMoostacho]

Hi, currently a N Arizona resident and gardener. I leave my lettuce mounds and kale and carrots out all year with snow and below freezing temps. They do just fine as long as ya dont mess with them frozen. 😂😂😂

[@cindyedwards6924]

Wow! I thought about your hoop house when I saw your temp on the news. Great job.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Cindy!

[@cadenceandfamily2159]

Amazing showing people the possibilities that are available for science in gardening! I designed a heating system for my dad's green house that could possibly heat in -35 but people always seem hesitant to try because they think the plants will die. I told him I could build a simple door (like what you would see in a decontamination unit in a space station except only for temperature loss) to make sure when the green house is open there would be no shock to the plants. He said he will try the heating the green house earlier this season but hopfuly he will warm up to the idea of growing in the winter because its obvious that is possible! Glad to see your video again because anything is possible! Happy gardening!

[@valeriehowden471]

Great success! This polar vortex survival brings me inspiration for my winters. Our zone 2b winters are usually in the -30 Celsius for a week or so but it is the wind chill that brings down the so called warmer days. We have clear sunny days for most of winter. The lowest we had this week was -40Celsius with a wind chill down to -51 Celsius. Interesting to see the Polar Vortex on the maps go down to your area around Chicago and parts of Michigan. Stay warm Patrick, Mrs. OYR and Oscar.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Valerie! I imagine it would be tough to harvest through winter in zone 2b without heat, but you could definitely extend the growing season significantly.

[@ORSkie]

@@OneYardRevolution We live in similar zone as Valerie (2a/b) Would it be possible, do you think, with an earth greenhouse with heat sinks and compost heaps?

[@aliceshull4425]

OMG ....What an adorable little batman mask cat you have!!!! SOOOO STINKING CUTE!!

[@johnlord8337]

Awesome !!! Full season growing - and fresh salads all year round.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks John!

[@cultivatingorganicbyjomig1719]

My green and hoop houses kept us supplied with fresh homegrown greens this winter. The best investment we made in the garden.

[@diamondchamberlin6285]

All I can say is Wow !!

[@lavenderblue5730]

This is amazing. I've failed for two winters now. After watching this I'll add more cover and try again.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Unbelievable! Nice prep work for the extreme cold. And no supplemental heat source. Looks like Oscar fared pretty well during the cold too. Always appreciate your videos!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks! You should've seen Oscar when I tried to bring him back in the house. He clung to his shelf for dear life. lol

[@tractorhyatt7044]

He is cozy in the hoop house with that thick fur. What is the dimensions of your fenced backyard garden? It looks a lot bigger with just snow covering the ground.

[@OneYardRevolution]

It's 25' by 50'

[@jolynmiller3194]

the cat is like "who are you talking too!!"🤣

[@ammarsyaf3035]

I learnt from my mechanical engineering subject that we can increase the insulation factor by enclose the trapped air between two window. My idea is could you try to use air bubble wrap between two sheets of the greenhouse cover and then seal it by using tape.

[@Littlelamb2023]

what a great idea!

[@royhoco5748]

bubble wrap has good insulating qualities and works well in a greenhouse. you can use narrow strips of double sided tape to make it stick to the greenhouse plastic

[@janethefriend-awakened33]

To warm my winter greenhouse I've heated a few bricks in the oven and stacked them inside my metal wheelbarrow. It's just enough heat so the plants won't freeze overnight. Not perfect, but works.

[@donnamatthews4250]

This is very encouraging as two years again, we have 20 below temps in Southwest Nebraska.

[@SuffolkSusie]

Beautiful. Thank you for this update. I Was thinking about you and trying not to complain when it hit 3°F on Long Island 😀

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Susie! 3°F sounds nice!

[@eddiespagetti8395]

I compost inside my greenhouse when I lived in Winnipeg -45. Greenhouses stay warm with even a little heater. It's amazing. Grow food and smoke buds year long. Wise indeed. Seeds. Seeds will be more precious than bullets on e chit starts going down. It's coming. Wise to live that way sir. Thank you for beautiful vids. Try a propane heater or plug in. Even a small house if in heater 1500 watt. It heated our greenhouse within hours. It was once -29 Ang inside my greenhouse was a beautiful 73 *. Yes 73 degrees inside that was with 2 small heaters. Beautiful. Greenhouse are beautiful

[@Yowhatsupman]

cat is so happy lol

[@CaliforniaGardening]

Nice to see your garden doing well in the winter days! Happy Gardening!

[@lakessbm]

Just built my greenhouse. Picked up some nice tips, thanks!!!

[@NoName-rg3np]

Those greens look good enough to eat! ;) Solid work saving your garden!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Jose!

[@reesysorganicworld1989]

I am so, so glad I found your channel. We will have a winter garden and live in the mid-west. Very cold.

[@Junzar56]

Every time I saw the news this week i wondered about your greens. I cannot believe how amazing this is! I live telling people that you CAN grow veggies in the winter! It was cold where we live, too. I had to wear a sweater. :)

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Jeannie! I had to wear a sweater too...and a shirt, and a sweatshirt, and a coat...lol

[@Junzar56]

OYR Frugal & Sustainable Organic Gardening Ha ha! I grew up in Minnesota, but have lived in Arizona for 30 years! What a week you all had! What a great way to show how growing in the winter works, too!

[@1caramarie]

@@OneYardRevolution Did you forget the long johns? LOL

[@vasilisk-66]

О Джини, это тепло. Я ношу 3 месяца в году куртку из натуральной кожи с мехом. И надеваю ее на свитер.))

[@Junzar56]

BRRR! I am happy to live in a warmer climate! I like seeing snow from a sunny place.

[@minkoil00]

I grew red Russian kale in Oklahoma. one year we had a freezing rain several inches thick. And stayed frozen for days they where not covered at all. The ice came off the kale and it was still alive and not damaged.

[@OneYardRevolution]

I'm glad your kale made it through the freezing rain. It's a tough plant!

[@aparnaganapati]

Wow! You are an amazing gardener, and an inspiration to lot of people. Keep up the great work and keep on sharing your garden videos.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks! That's very nice of you to say.

[@spoolsandbobbins]

aparnaganapati yes!! Please do Patrick!

[@rayswoodshop4467]

Nice. Couple years ago I planted carrots very late in the year. I seen this channel. I thought the carrots would just die in the cold, but decided to build a single layer low tunnel over the carrots. I was still growing carrots into the 3rd week of Dec. Had a nice harvest too. Thanks. I am thinking on some very late crops again this year.

[@DontStopBrent]

I like your cadence a great deal. Also I like that you are “to the point”. Not a lot of extra yak. THANK YOU! Also I liked the content. I’m gonna watch more. Great vid, brother.

You mean you dont care about Skillshare or who donated to his Patreon? Who would of thought!

[@DontStopBrent]

Kaniel Outis I don’t get your joke.

@@DontStopBrent lots of youtubers spends tons of time on their videos asking for donations, thanking a list of people for donations or promote paid promotions such as skillshare. Its nice not seeing any of that bs here.

[@holisticpoet]

I am a market gardener in central NY and I have had colder temperatures with no extra covers in the the greenhouse and nothing dies. The absence of the brutal wind is the main factor in keeping plants alive. If you let the wind get them they will die. Cold temps without wind do not damage cold hearty plants.

[@holisticpoet]

I should remind everyone that you do not water in the winter as freezing temps will burst the cell structure in plants that are saturated with water. Keep them dry and the cold will not hurt them.

[@ronwest7930]

I'm curious how you adjust your watering when it's this cold out.

[@halfassranch8363]

I would imagine the coverings prevent enough evaporation and simultaneously create condensation.

[@GardeningwithLadyCheryl]

I posted this incredible video to my Facebook group. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Thanks for sharing your incredible success.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Cheryl!

[@mew589]

I bow to thee, O' Patrick of the plants!

[@bobbiwest6625]

This last winter i piled hay bales on north side, outside. I had a couple inside on north. We got to 28 degrees for few days. Im in Tx. So we get 2 to 3 months winter storms and colds. I was starting to lose my 4yrs old tunnel top so didnt run any heat. Used freeze cloths on peppers. And had reflective insulation that i put up took down daily. The peppers made it through winter, so did the stag horn fern. In spring, i planted in the hay bales. Another of a first. The plants really took off.grew squash. Im hope the sweet potatoes grew more than vines. Take care.

[@crazyrees23]

Did hay bales on the north side outside help with inside temperatures?

[@garden4life622]

I seriously need to build a hoop house next Fall! I'm tired of buying greens in the store during the winter.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Yeah, it's so nice to have fresh greens from the garden in winter. It makes winter seem to go by faster too.

[@chahineyalla4838]

@@OneYardRevolution Hi Patrick, I was wondering whether you made a video showing how you built your hoop house. I can see that you garden is fenced on all sides with wooden fences. Do you think that your hoop house would be strong enough to stand in a more open environment?

[@countryrose763]

@@OneYardRevolution what about watering or fertilizing. How do you do that and how often?

[@Ed19601]

Looks great. Kale is usually very hardy. Admitted, it doesnt get to -23 F where i live, usually -10C/14F, but my black kale survives the winter pretty well. Lettuce ofcourse i protect very well, kinda akin to what you do. Happy harvest

[@Danfoodforest]

Hope it warms up pretty soon Thanks for sharing

[@tclodfelter8789]

4:55 .. WOW!! That is impressive!!! I would not of thought they could have survived! I guess it's like we told growing up in the cold ... Bundle up in layers!!! GOOD JOB! Super Impressed!!

[@McDowallManor]

Patrick - that is absolutely an amazing result. This was a very interesting clip for me - I can't imagine temperatures that cold.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Andy! I imagine it's a little bit warmer where you live. lol

[@sonicrising6614]

I find keeping my compost bins running in the greenhouse provides a great way to keep the greenhouse warm.

[@theCodyReeder]

Fortunately if overcast it wouldn’t get that cold. 😊

[@theCodyReeder]

Thanks for doing this! Watching this really helps. I need to keep plants alive with -100C outdoor temperature. 🤔

[@josephgauthier5018]

@@theCodyReeder holy crap that is cold! is that at the chicken hole base or at your in town place?

[@2Worlds_and_InBetween]

yes, I will try to remember this if I start to moan at my winter situation. best of luck every one

[@ArthursHD]

Hi, Cody :) In the video "Nebraska retiree uses earths's heat to grow oranges in snow" by Kirsten Dirksen there is an interesting greenhouse concept with low-tech ground source heating. I don't grow plants during winter. Jet I could try to build a greenhouse in front of the garage and do it since it rarely gets below -20s °C in Latvia for the past few decades.

[@mathewh3766]

@@ArthursHD sounds interesting. where can I see this video?

[@charlesburkhart800]

Look at that green! How nice! Enjoy your salad!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Charles!

[@pamelaadams3649]

Lord, those temps are insane! Your home heating bills must be through the roof!😬

[@steakovercake3986]

Depending on how well insulated and sealed his home is !

[@QuantumLeap11]

@@steakovercake3986 if his house is under 2 layers of plastic he should be good

[@steakovercake3986]

@@QuantumLeap11 hahaha right

[@jillhumphrys8073]

@@QuantumLeap11 lololol

[@voidremoved]

imagine he forgot about himself. the plants are toasty warm... while Patrick is in his house huddled under blankets with the toaster handle taped down and the oven door open....

[@royhoco5748]

before I hardwired my greenhouse. I drew a 2" diameter circle on the plastic at floor level next to the door frame. I then cut a X inside the circle, inserted the female end of the cord and then duct taped the X around the cord to prevent heat loss. I then ran a small ceramic heater on low setting and my grow lights using the extension cord. The heater cost 16 cents per hour to operate and I put it on a timer so it ran 6 hours in the coldest part of the coldest nights. 84 cents per night on the nights I ran the heater. Now the greenhouse is hardwired with duplex outlets down one wall and across the back. This summer I plan to run a water line and install a no freeze yard hydrant inside my greenhouse.

[@jaqclark]

Crazy awesome!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Jaq

[@yearofthegarden]

Great design, i've grown veggies off grid for over a decade and this is essentially what I do as well, cover everything multiple times so the convection is slowed down. The best approach is to have a compost pile behind the greenhouse too, lean the compost against some steel barrels full of water which act as a bulk head, then have the barrels inside the greenhouse, so you get the warmth of the compost but none of the offgas. works for tomatos in the freezing winter months.

[@RaechelleJ]

Awesome

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks!

[@carlametcalfe4342]

Are you kidding me , your incredible

[@jeffkolp3526]

I was wondering g how you faired this past week? Thanks for sharing and well done. Our pant in the hoop house survived without additional cover and low’s of -10

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Jeff! I'm happy to hear your plants are doing well.

[@isaacmartinez7435]

The next progression would be to do a hot bed greenhouse. The manure and green and brown material activating will keep the plants you plant above them warm in the greenhouse.

[@MikeD-qx1kr]

My jaw literally dropped when you uncovered those live plants in -31C. I never knew plastic can insulate this well. How about adding burlap and then plastic on top? Would that work better? I have some plants outside, not in a greenhouse that I'm afraid might freeze.

[@marthaadams8326]

no light then.

[@MissChievousRN]

Those are seriously extreme temps! I think my FAVORITE garden tools are cattle panels. They are cheap, sturdy, easy to find, and double as trellises in the summer. 2 cattle panels cover my 4'x8' raised beds and reclaimed plastic from packaging and shipping or from my job, family members collecting sheets of usable plastic or old sheets etc, bulk binder clips and duct tape... I put together some nice high tunnels for next to NUTHIN. In the spring, recycle the plastic and grow peas and beans and cukes right up and over those panels ;)

[@kristalawson5640]

Very impressive!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Krista!

[@lb7062]

I think I've commented this in the past, but your videos bring me so much joy all year round. But, especially in the winter. I am not fortunate enough to have a yard at the moment, so I can't do the winter gardening that you do. However, watching all of your lovely plants thrive in the winter just makes me so happy!

[@OneYardRevolution]

That's very sweet of you to say Lysa!

[@CuriousinNY]

Congratulations on your greens making it through the arctic blast! 👏👏👏👏👏. QUESTIONS: are your greens growing through this winter or just surviving? How do you water during the winter? I imagine it must be different than when it is warm. Have you started to plan out what this year’s beds will grow and where yet?

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Linda! We don't water from December through mid-February. When we start watering 2 or 3 weeks from now, we'll water sparingly on warm days. Typically, plants don't grow during this period, but this year we saw growth through December and well into January because the weather was so mild.

[@CuriousinNY]

Good to know. The greens look a lot better than just surviving! It has to be incredible to have fresh greens through the winter. Thanks for reply about watering. I hope you are planning on a video sharing your planting plans for this spring.

[@jangsy33]

For two seasons, I watched amazed, with a desire to have a winter harvest like yours. Last fall, I was finally moved to plant a few cold weather crops into my raised bed, here in zone 6b, just outside of Philadelphia. The Red Russian Kale and Chard survived all winter, covered under a single cleartote. My Shungiku, however, didn't make it....though, I suspect it was due to immature root development because I started the seeds late. In fact, the younger and smaller kale and chard plants didn't make it past the first month of winter. It was little effort and I learned so much from this trial! While you mention in your videos that winter crops don't grow much, it didn't fully register until I tried it myself. I get it now!! Thanks for making these videos, you are inspiring thoughts and actions.

[@jangsy33]

I forgot to ask my question.....I took the tote off the plants in early March and they survived several frosts. While the weather has gone to as high as 78 degrees, the average high and lows have been 60-40 degrees. I'm wondering why my kale is producing a flower in the center stalk while producing many side shoots? The kale doesn't seem to taste different. Does this surprise you?

[@OneYardRevolution]

Congratulations on your winter gardening success! I'm glad my videos helped. Yes, it's normal for kale to flower and go to seed after overwintering.

[@soyoung7966]

The early spring kale flowers helped the pollinators!

[@javiercastillo6203]

Beautiful garden!!!thanks..

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Javier!

[@POSMhorsefarmer7]

Thank you. Your "Highlights w marker locations on video "? Wow! What a time saver & fact locator. Like your statements of purpose as well.

[@shoxroxice]

Love these winter hoop house updates! You inspired me to try lettuce, and it did great until a few weeks ago - using only the hoophouse cover. I’ll be working on the second row of cover, or the low tunnels inside the hoophouse for some early Spring crops. Thanks!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks! Yeah, we've only been able to overwinter lettuce here under 2 layers.

[@dragonext2001]

I live in eastern NC and barely get below 20° in winter. Barely snows here. I want to make my own greenhouse out of pallets,pvc pipes and 6 mil plastic with the option of removing the plastic when it gets over 80 outside. Our summers tend to reach 90 to 100+. Have to wait til wife visits her family in Mexico for 2 months in June. She's not a fan of my raised bed gardening. She can't stop me when she isn't here😅. Anyway thanks for the video, I now know what to do during winter.

[@chezgiardino]

Nice job Patrick! You're a pioneer!! :)

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks!

[@Nvananon]

I harvested tons of vegetables in hoop houses in the Canadian winter so it's definitely possible

[@fatalbertgeis2516]

AAAAMAZING!!

[@OneYardRevolution]

Thanks Christopher!

[@Charlotte_TSilva]

Congratulations on your veggies surviving. Even veggies need TLC. Beautiful greenhouse.👍🏻

[@kathleaneoleary4734]

I'm wondering how the plants get enough light to survive when covered with so many layers. Can you speak to that please?

[@philliperskine4986]

Manure and straw compost also puts off heat if one can load a greenhouse up as much as possible it will produce heat during decomposing. FYI have a great day

[@oddopops1327]

😊