Plant Problems: Plant and Garden Frost Protection
Avid gardeners, usually can't resist the temptation to start their garden
a little early. After all, we've been waiting all winter to get our hands
into some dirt. With an early start, we worry and fret that an unexpected
cold snap, will bring frost and freezing temperatures. Our young, frost sensitive
seedlings and young plants are at risk.
In the fall, we do everything we can, to extend the growing season a little
bit longer. An unexpected frost or freeze can spell an early end to the gardening
season, just as our veggies are beginning to ripen. We know as soon as frost
ends the growing season, prices will rise in the produce department of our
local grocery store.
Therefore, it's vitally important to be prepared to protect your plants.
Did you Know? Frost and freeze can damage or kill sensitive plants.
Cold weather in the thirties can stunt your plants. So, a "cover-up" may
be in order anytime the temperatures are expected to dip below 40 degrees.
Methods of Frost Protection
Just about anything that covers the plant, without harming it, helps protect
it against frost and freezing weather. Protecting your plants in the spring
is much easier, as the plants are small.
Cold Frames, Hot Kaps, Frost
Jackets, and plastic or cloth sheets can do the trick. Fall frost protection
is more problematic. It is quite difficult to cover a pumpkin plant that
is sprawled across the garden. Light sheets of plastic, floating row covers
are often used.
As a general rule, the colder the weather, the better your plant protection
should be.
Whatever you choose to use, have it handy before you need it. When the late
night news comes on, reporting weather colder than earlier expected, you
may find yourself in the garden at midnight covering up. That's not the time
to go searching for something to use.
IMPORTANT: If you covered up your plants at night, you will likely
need to remove the protection in the morning, after the weather has warmed
up. Sunlight can raise the temperatures inside, to levels that can harm or
kill the plant.
Frost Jackets can be used weeks before the last spring frost.
Buy Frost Jackets
Buy Hobby Greenhouses It's the perfect solution for gardeners
who want to extend the season longer in both the spring and fall. Hobby
Greenhouses are attractive, long lasting and affordable.
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
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