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Step 1: Prep the site 
photography: Jane Colclasure
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Clear out any spent summer vegetables, amend the soil with fresh compost, and rake it all level. Plant your fall crop from six-pack transplants (from a nursery or home and garden center), or directly sow seeds. Water-in well. Step 2: Build a frame Use galvanized welded wire fencing purchased in standard rolls, usually about 48 inches wide and 50 feet long. Cutting the wire to an 8-foot length allows for an arch that’s at least 24 inches from the ground at the highest point. Nail the wire directly to two opposite sides of your wooden frame; you can also tie the wire to wooden stakes driven into the ground to secure.
photography: Jane Colclasure
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Step 3: Create the plastic cover 
photography: Jane Colclasure
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Drape plastic sheeting cut to length over the top of the wire frame, ensuring it completely encases all four sides, including the front and back ends that you will open. Once the plastic is in place, roll the edge once or twice, and staple one side only. Step 4: Use the mini-greenhouse Leave the beds uncovered while days are still warm. When freezing temperatures threaten (at night in most regions, but also during the day in colder climates), use heavy weights to secure the plastic around the frame on the remaining three sides. When temps creep above 60°, uncover.
What you’ll need
Skill Level 2 on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5; an extra pair of hands will make the project even easier.
Cost $35 to $75
Time One morning
From the home and garden center
1 (8-foot by 48-inch) piece of 2- by 4-inch galvanized welded wire fencing, also known as hardware cloth (sold by the roll in the lumber department)
1 (8- by 15-foot) piece of 4 mil plastic sheeting (sold by the roll in the paint department)
10 (2-inch) galvanized finishing nails (sold by the box in the hardware department)
From your toolbox
Wire cutters
Hammer
Heavy-duty staple gun and 3/8-inch staples | 
