Like many gardeners I start my seedlings indoors to get a jump on the growing season. This means I plant in containers and flats in February or March when it is still cold outside. I use grow lights, full sun windows, and some outdoor time when it is warmer and sunny to help them grow. Once the threat of frost has passed I plant them in the garden beds that will be their home for the summer.
What though if you had to plant a bit early, before the danger of frost has passed? This can be the case for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your seedlings got too big and needed to go in the ground. Maybe a flat overturned and rather than lose the seedlings you decide to plant them. Or maybe your perennials got an early start due to warmer than usual weather and they need protection. If you have plants in the ground when a frost advisory is issued then you need to take steps to protect them. Here are some tips:
* Water well before night falls. The soil will release moisture through the night, keeping the air temperature near the soil warmer.
* Use a fan to keep air circulating around your plants and prevent frost from forming.
* Create a tent frame using wood stakes, garden tools, or whatever you have on hand. Cover with weed fabric, a plastic tarp, or a bed sheet. Remove the next morning.
* A thin layer of straw can help protect plants and seedlings as well.
* Recycle plastic juice and milk jugs and use them as cloches to cover your seedlings.
* You can also buy them on Amazon. Check out these dome cloches and this garden cloche tunnel. They can be thrown over plants at night and removed easily the next day as it warms up.
* Move potted plants indoors for the night or wrap the the pots with towels, burlap, or bubble wrap to help insulate the roots from the cold.
Hopefully these tips will help you can ward off any damage to your plants if a frost advisory is issued in your area. No gardener wants to lose their summer bounty because of inclimate weather!!
Great suggestions. I’m in Canada and will need these for sure! I’m keeping a pinterest file with gardening tips for when I finally have a garden!
This is great. I am one of those people who are always last minute planting because I am afraid of the frost killing them but by the time I do it, it is too late.
I love these ideas. All chances of frost are past for me where I live in California but pinning for next year!
These are some great tips. I have never thought about ways to protect my plants during the cold months. I’ll have to remember these tips next winter.
One year I lost all of my basil to a freak frost. I err on the side of waiting now. Great tips.
These are great tips!! Its so hard to tell when the final frost has come and gone! I am the worlds worst gardener but these seem simple and very very useful!
Wow-you must have some green thumb-thanks for sharing these tips–I have never tried growing something in the house and then moving it outdoors. Very useful
Every time I hear protect your plants and gardens from frost, I never know how they accomplished – better yet – how to do it with recylcable items.
Great tips. Pinning!