Official TEG Poll: What’s your preferred method for protecting crops from early frosts?

[TEG Project Manager]

As fall approaches, those chilly nights can sneak up on your garden, threatening your hard-earned harvest. Early frosts are no joke for self-sufficient gardeners, but there are plenty of ways to protect your crops! Whether you prefer using row covers, mulching, or building a greenhouse, everyone has their go-to strategy.

What’s your preferred method for keeping your garden safe from early frosts? Cast your vote and share your secret to extending the growing season!

 

[R2elk]

It is too windy here to cover the garden. I turn the sprinklers on and keep them running until well after the sun comes up. If the frost and ice are melted before the sun hits the plants, they survive very well.

 

[digitS']

Much the same as @R2elk . Several feet below the soil surface, the temperature is 55⁰f (13⁰C). With water pipes at that depth, the water traveling in them is much warmer than freezing.

Our rocky soil is very unlikely to flood and I'm rather parsimonious with the irrigation water through the season. A little extra water can often be of benefit. Running sprinklers can really protect the plants if it isn't too cold.

Of course, potted plants can be moved indoors and, even though the greenhouse is only heated during Springtime, potted plants moved into that structure can be protected from frosts for weeks and even months.

I have wrapped plants in tarps but that isn't a common practice.

Sterve

 

[ducks4you]

Watch covering with too much straw, like placing a whole flake on top. If you leave it you have effectively killed the plant.