What is a common practice for extending the growing season for crops?

Utilizing row covers or greenhouses is a widely recognized practice for extending the growing season for crops. Both methods create a more controlled and favorable microclimate for plants, helping to protect them from frost and cold temperatures.

Row covers are typically made from lightweight fabric that provides a barrier against cold weather, while still allowing sunlight and moisture to penetrate. This helps maintain warmer temperatures around the plants, fostering growth even during cooler evenings or unexpected cold snaps.

Greenhouses, on the other hand, enclose plants in a structure designed to capture heat and light, creating an environment that can support plant growth year-round regardless of outdoor conditions. This can significantly lengthen the growing season, allowing growers to cultivate crops that might not normally thrive in their local climate.

Both techniques enable farmers and gardeners to start planting earlier in the spring or to continue growing later into the fall, ultimately leading to a more productive and efficient use of land and resources.