Alas, looks like we having the last bit of winter weather coming our way! Temperatures might be right around freezing, so we strongly advise covering your plants. Very tender-leaved plants like basil and sweet potato vines may not weather this storm, but most plants probably will — with cover.
A light dusting won’t do much harm. But an inch or two –or 6 inches, as some reports are saying– can snap off stems or leave them too weak, and frost will burn the little leaves.
So what to do?
Bring inside what you can, and cover your plants in the ground to protect them.
You can use almost anything to protect the plants. We sell plant fabric and floating row covers, which work great.
In a pinch, here are some things from around the house to use so your plants are not exposed to snow at all, and you can not worry about the cold or the weight of snow harming them.
Covering your plants can add an extra 5-10 degrees to the air around the plant.
Keep in mind, anything you are putting over your plants must be SUPPORTED to keep the weight of the snow off the plants.
Suggestions:
Plastic tarp or dropcloth, held up with garden stakes, tomato cages or large pots.
Cardboard box: Use a cardboard box to cover plants–you could even cut in some holes on the sides for air. Just remove it as soon as possible to let your plants get the light they need, as the cardboard will stop sunlight from getting through.
Plastic milk jug, a juice bottle or soda bottle with the bottom cut out: These are good at fitting over individual plants.
Plastic storage bin: A clear bin will protect the plant while letting light in. If it’s not clear, remove the bin as soon as possible once the snow stops.
Plastic bag: Your standard grocery bag fits over smaller plants and can keep blooms from getting broken or too cold. make sure to anchor these with garden stakes or rocks.
And last but not least: Bubble wrap provides great protection!
And by Sunday we should be in the 60s again!