I do one every year. To me it’s much more enjoyable, albeit slower, than the summer garden b/c I don’t do heat well.
Sowing should be done inside b/c winter plants’ germination rates are higher in cooler soils - something July and August does not afford me. For spinach I’ve even used the frig, but for brassicas and lettuce, the AC vent is fine. When you seed inside, start treating for slugs outside (pellets). I sow in small cups then prick out to a larger flat to grow on to a large healthy plant. By then there is room in the garden. Surround the planting area w/ 1" chicken wire and have ready some kind of netting (bird or insect) to put over top of that. Brassicas need spraying every 10 days with Bt and Spinosad (even whilst in the flats). After a few good freezes you can stop spraying which is usually in December for me.
As cold weather approaches, prepare your hoops and poly - make sure to vent. In fact for brassicas I leave the vent open most of the time until the temps go below 20.
I was thinking this would be a good thread to start sometime.
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