Although Fall's chill brings melancholy to every serious gardener, those frigid temps likewise arouse anticipations of the next Spring's planting. Nevertheless, I relay this unfortunate information from my own experience: Too much enthusiasm can be a bad thing.
Mother Nature often sends unseasonably warm temps sooner than the last expected frost dates, and when that occurs, the temptation to plant early is extremely seductive.
Having succumbed to the urge to plant too soon cost me several plantings over the years, and although there was always enough time to start over and have a successful garden, hours of work were lost.
Mother Nature often sends unseasonably warm temps sooner than the last expected frost dates, and when that occurs, the temptation to plant early is extremely seductive.
Having succumbed to the urge to plant too soon cost me several plantings over the years, and although there was always enough time to start over and have a successful garden, hours of work were lost.
Whenever possible, allow an extra week after the last expected Spring frost date before planting seeds or setting out plants. When timing your second of third plantings, calculate that those plants should be in decline one week prior to the first frost date.
And, although you cautiously allow one week either way, later and earlier frosts are not rare occurrences. As such, it's always advisable to have a backup plan.
Simple nighttime frost protections involve inverting buckets over your plants, draping newspapers or old cotton sheets over tender seedlings, or covering seedlings with a six-inch layer of loose straw.
And, although you cautiously allow one week either way, later and earlier frosts are not rare occurrences. As such, it's always advisable to have a backup plan.
Simple nighttime frost protections involve inverting buckets over your plants, draping newspapers or old cotton sheets over tender seedlings, or covering seedlings with a six-inch layer of loose straw.
BUCKETS AT THE READY TO THWART JACK FROST
TIP: When using the above safeguards, always remove them the next morning when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius).
More expensive remedies such as floating row covers can be left in place until warmer weather arrives. These can be purchased online or at garden supply stores.
More expensive remedies such as floating row covers can be left in place until warmer weather arrives. These can be purchased online or at garden supply stores.