FOIL THE COMPETITION
“Because mice, voles, and chipmunks target our edamame, we corral that crop into a cold
frame to dissuade nibblers,” Eileen says.
In early spring, cold frames protect vegetables from chilly nights. Later in the season, the
frames’ duties change to protecting vegetables vulnerable to hungry critters. Although the
cold frames remain partially open so the soybeans (or whatever crop is being protected)
receive sun, the barrier fools varmints. To prevent the lightweight frames and lids from
blowing away in high wind, bricks hold them fi rmly in place.
Bill and Eileen plant seeds of red
cabbage in early spring because
the plants prefer cool weather as
they mature. They harvest full, fi rm
heads in midsummer.