9 Proven Tips To Grow a Tower Garden All Winter Long

How to Grow a Thriving Tower Garden All Winter Long: 9 Essential Tips

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean your Tower Garden has to hibernate! With a few simple adjustments, you can grow fresh produce all winter long. Here are nine tips to keep your Tower Garden flourishing, even as temperatures drop.

1. Keep Your Reservoir Full
   A full reservoir retains heat longer than a partially filled one, helping to protect your plants on frosty nights. The Tower Garden FLEX, with its 20-gallon reservoir, is ideal for winter growing compared to the 13-gallon Tower Garden HOME.
   
   

2. Use a Dolly or Insulation

   Avoid placing your Tower Garden directly on cold surfaces like concrete, which can rapidly cool the reservoir. A dolly or thick rubber mat allows airflow beneath the reservoir, reducing heat loss.
   

3. Add a Submersible Heater

   For nights below 50°F, a submersible heater set to 68°F can keep your reservoir water at an optimal temperature. If the heater is too long, attach it at an angle using suction cups. This step is crucial for winter gardening success.

4. Maximize Sunlight Exposure

   Winter days are shorter and less intense, so position your Tower Garden in the sunniest spot available. Leafy greens need at least 5 hours of sunlight, while fruiting crops require 8 or more hours. Avoid shaded areas like screen rooms during winter.

5. Use Full-Strength Tower Tonic

   Unlike summer, when nutrients are reduced, winter crops need the full-strength Tower Tonic formula—20ml of Part A and Part B per gallon of water. Regularly replenish nutrients and clean the reservoir every two months for best results.

6. Run the Pump Continuously on Cold Nights

   When temperatures dip below 40°F, bypass the timer or set the pump to run continuously during the coldest hours. This keeps water circulating, preventing freezing and protecting your plants.

7. Cover Your Tower Garden

   Use a frost cloth or frost bag to shield your Tower Garden on frosty nights. For extended cold weather, consider a pop-up greenhouse. Pair it with a submersible heater or space heater, but always prioritize safety to prevent fire hazards.
   
   

8. Invest in Grow Lights

   Grow lights allow you to cultivate crops indoors year-round. Tower Garden LED Grow Lights are full-spectrum and support fruiting crops, but remember to account for plant size and pollination needs if growing indoors.

9. Choose the Right Crops

   Select cool-weather crops like lettuces, leafy greens, brassicas, and herbs for outdoor winter growing. For indoor gardening, consider crop size and whether you’re willing to hand-pollinate fruiting plants.