Michelle Obama’s garden is ready for winter

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden is ready for the winter.

White House assistant chef Sam Kass is using “hoop houses” to help extend the growing season during the coming cold months.

The houses amount to inexpensive coverings that are pulled tight around curved metal bars placed in the soil. They trap heat during the day when the sun is out and help protect the garden from frost overnight.

Kass says such winter crops as spinach, lettuce, carrots, mustard greens, chard and cabbage have been planted. More varieties will be added in the coming weeks.

Kass oversees the first lady’s popular garden. He commented today in a post on the White House blog.

-- Associated Press