How do you cover plants?
Question:I am using Earthboxes (which are wonderful!) but it is getting cold tonight and I want a quick way to protect them from cold and wind. Any suggestions? It's 2:00 and 40 degrees.
Answers:
Horticultural fleece - but as you have no time to go get one, have you got straw, hay, plastic bubble wrap, anything like that!! Just literally wrap it around the plants. Good luck.
I usually cover mine with a thick sheet and that keeps them from dying, but there are tarps and such that you could buy specially made for covering plants.
I use straw. It's simple and quick. It worked last week when many here lost their squash and pumpkin.
We usually use a clear plastic to cover the plants on a potentially frosty night, we do remove the plastic during he day to let the plants get the natural heat from the sun.
Here is a novel idea. In July the temp should not be below 40 degrees, however, it does happen now and did in the past. Based on this experience plant only those that can tolerate either late or unexpected frost!!
Before planting go to the library or purchase a copy of Wyman's Garden Ency. to reference the zone you are in and the plants for that zone (valuable ref at $60 at Borders). This will give you an idea of what to, and most important, what not to plant! Reputable Nurseries will not sell you a plant that can not tolerate moderate frost before it is time to plant them.
If they are annuals let the frost do it's damage. Make sure your mulch bed is three inches thick. Two to four days later remove any wilted leaves and buds. While I do not like to use it much this is a time when a Mir-Gro or similar liquid fert would be appropriate two days after the hand pruning.
I am sure you are in a true northern location. I am in Phila.
Certain plants adapt to our environment and I design my landscapes to that environment. I certainly would not put a tropical plant into a design given the conditions. I do use plants that tolerate severe conditions of both heat and cold. Again the Wyman's is invaluable.
Hope it Helps. Meanwhile, let them "freeze" and chronicle which plants survived. It will help you in making your choices in the future.
I usually cut the top out of old milk jugs!
Or, I use five gallon plastic buckets, they're easier to use!
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