weather

[Douglas Green]

Well, speaking as someone who is currently in the middle of a snow blast
;-) and who has a little experience (about 23 years worth) with winter
protection of plants (nursery and otherwise) let me suggest that you put
plastic down as your last choice.

Clear plastic offers very little in the way of either insulation or holding
in heat ability. Heat moves quite freely through it from the ground and the
best that can be said about clear plastic is that it will prevent any wind
chill factor from really burning your plant. White nursery poly is
marginally better.

1st choice would be an insulating row cover type of plastic foam if you can
find a friendly nursery supplier who has any left (or you have the time to
obtain) after the pros have been scavenging for it.  This will protect your
plants well.  cover the edges so the wind can't lift it. It has
surprisingly good airlift capacity.;-)

Second would be any sheet of fabric - old sheets, blankets etc - generously
watered down. The water will take a lot of heat to freeze and this will in
turn offer several degrees of plant protection.  Purchase canvas tarps etc
as well. Again all should be watered down.

Row crop covers - those gossamer thingies people use for protecting from
bugs are surprisingly effective for short term cold snaps. Water them down
as well.

Water - get the sprinklers running and don't let them stop throughout the
cold snap (I'm assuming you've only got a couple of days - not a week or
two) You'll have ice everywhere but as long as they don't stop - the hoses
won't freeze and the plant will be surprisingly healthy when the ice
finally stops forming and melts off. Mind you, you'll have water everywhere
and your water bill might be a bit higher but your plants will be grateful.

I've also used a foot or more of straw to cover tender plants in emergency
situations and this also works well. Taking it off can create a problem but
you  at least get to choose your problems.;-)

Dry peat moss is also an effective mulch for shorter plants. Cover the
plant for the duration of the cold snap and then rebag/remove the peat as
that much will be a problem for the soil the next spring.

Hope that helps a bit.

Doug
Doug Green,
Freelance Writer - You need it, I'll write it.
Contributing Writer - Grower Talks, Syndicated columnist - 55 papers
http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com