- In Episode 7 of "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide," aired on April 11, Alex Mitchell shared the story of a family in northern Michigan that grows fresh vegetables (carrots, kale, beets) at temperatures of -15 degrees Fahrenheit using a $1,500 hoop house, solar-heated water barrels and lanterns — without electricity.
- Their method relies on passive solar heating (black water tubes absorbing daytime heat) and frost-proofing (Agribond row covers, kerosene lanterns for supplemental warmth).
- Morgan Mitchell explained that city dwellers can use raised beds, climbing towers, balcony hoop tents (PVC + plastic sheeting) and composting with worms to grow food in small spaces.
- The Mitchells emphasize that these techniques provide resilience against food shortages—turning gardens into lifelines if supply chains fail. According to them, success hinges on solar thermal mass, frost blankets and simple heat sources (lanterns, compost), proving fresh food is possible even in extreme cold with ingenuity.
In Episode 7 of "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide," aired on April 11, Alex and Morgan Mitchell dove deep into ways that you can grow food anywhere. Alex began by sharing the story of a family in the frozen depths of northern Michigan, where winter temperatures plunge to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This family has unlocked the secret to harvesting fresh carrots, kale and beets—without a single watt of electricity. They only need a $1,500 hoop house, solar-heated water barrels and a few well-placed lanterns.
The Mitchells also shared their own extreme cold-weather farming secrets, from solar-heated water barrels to frost-proof row covers. Mastering these techniques could be the ultimate insurance against food shortages in a long-term disaster.
"We grew vegetables all winter long — carrots, kale, Swiss chard — even when snow was piled four feet high outside," said Alex, standing inside their 48'x24' hoop house. "Most people think you need a heated greenhouse, but with the right techniques, you can do this anywhere."
The Mitchells' method hinges on passive solar heating and frost-proofing:
- Black water tubes: Long, sun-absorbing tubes filled with water heat up to 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, releasing warmth at night.
- Agribond row covers: Breathable fabric shields plants from frost while letting light through.
- Lanterns as heaters: Hanging kerosene lanterns raise temperatures just enough to prevent freezing.
"On the coldest nights, we'd light lanterns and the plants thrived," Alex Mitchell explained. "It's about harnessing microclimates — not fighting the weather."
For city dwellers, the Mitchells suggest miniature versions:
- Raised beds + climbing towers: Maximize vertical space in tiny yards.
- Balcony hoop tents: Use PVC pipes and plastic sheeting to create insulated micro-gardens.
- Composting secrets: "Worms are your best friends," said Morgan. "They turn scraps into gold for your soil."
With food shortages and supply chain disruptions looming, the Mitchells argued that cold-weather resilience is critical. "If grocery stores shut down, your garden becomes your lifeline," Morgan emphasized. "And you don't need 40 acres—just ingenuity."
Their experiment proves that even in subzero winters, fresh food is possible with:
- Solar thermal mass (water tubes, dark-colored barrels).
- Frost blankets (Agribond or similar).
- Low-tech heat sources (lanterns, compost-heated beds).
"This isn't just gardening," Alex said. "It's food security." For those ready to ditch dependency on the grid, the Mitchells' winter garden might just be the ultimate insurance policy.
Want to learn more?
Disruptions can happen at any time, be it natural disasters, economic downturns or unexpected emergencies. But with the right preparation, you won't just survive, you will thrive. If you want to learn more about how you can be more resilient, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide" package here.
Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to all "Prepare Tribe" episodes and bonus items, including Advanced Food Preservation Technique video, Food Self-Reliance e-Book, free access to Morgan and Alex's 5-Day Challenge and 50 percent discount on the Backyard Seed Kit only on Health Ranger Store.
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