Warm weather around here in March lured a lot of us into garden centers for bedding plants and vegetable transplants. Now this cold snap, hopefully the last blast of winter here in Alabama, threatens to wipe out our early plantings.
But there are some ways to protect those tiny tomato plants or pots of begonias.
Bring indoors all tender potted plants.
--Bring in any houseplants you have moved outdoors.
--Bring in containers of summer annuals or tender plants if possible.
--A garage, enclosed shed, basement and even the kitchen are good sites to temporarily place them.
Group container plants left outside.
--Larger groups of containers will retain heat better than individual pots.
--Wrap bases in layers of burlap or with a blanket to reduce heat loss.
--Cover them. (See next tip for how.)
Cover plants you cannot bring indoors.
--Sheets, light blankets, cardboard boxes or even excess burlap sacks can be effective.
--Avoid using plastic.
--Material should touch the ground on all sides of the plant.
--Use stakes or other items to lift the cover above the plant. When the covering touches the plant, the insulating effect is lost.
--Remove coverings during the day.
--Use what you have. Two-liter soda bottles, jars or large disposable cups can provide some protection.
Water well.
--The water will actually make the air temperature around plants a little warmer.
--A well watered plant is under less stress and will be able to handle cold temperatures better than a dry, stressed one.
Mulch.
--Mulch creates a barrier between the outside air and the plant’s roots.
--Pine stray, wheat straw, and bark mulches are all good choices.
For more information on frost protection and ways to avoid the problem next year, check out this story at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Also check out the “ The Alabama Gardener’s Calendar” and “The Alabama Vegetable Gardener” . Finally, you can contact your county Extension office or visit www.aces.edu.