Spring is here, but we’re not in the clear from the occasional night of freezing temperatures. In the last week there has been scattered frost throughout central Vermont and the forecast says Wednesday night into Thursday morning threaten some truly chilly temperatures. Here are a few tips to protect plants from these brisk blasts:
Wait to transplant cold sensitive plants (tomatoes, peppers, marigolds etc) until the frost free date for your growing zone. We generally use Memorial Day weekend at the farm, but keep an eye on the weather into June in case there is an outlying cold snap.
Cover plants already in the ground with a row cover, sheets, tarps or plastic. The thicker the cover, the better it will protect against the cold. You can also place plastic buckets or containers over plants to protect them from the cold.
Use wire hoops with row cover, plastic, etc. to create a tent around the plants so that the cover does not come in contact with the plants.
Cover plants in the afternoon before freezing temperatures are expected. This helps to trap heat around the plants.
Some plants are more cold hardy than others.
Onions can withstand cold snaps in the 20s. Brassicas (kale, broccoli, cabbages etc) can tolerate moderate freezes if they are well established and have been hardened off. Basil is very sensitive and does not do well if temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to the elements (wind, rain, sun & cold). The transition from the luxurious, protected environment of the greenhouse or a windowsill to the outdoors should be made incrementally.
Wishing you the best of luck during these cold snaps!
Plant Sales at the farm continue through the first weekend in June, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am - 2 pm. We continue to pot up more plants to keep the benches full!
Flint and the Cate Farm Crew
2023 Plant Sale Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, 8 am - 2 pm
May:
19th & 20th
26th & 27th
June:
2nd & 3rd