Lynn Butterfield, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette-RogersPhone: (801) 550-6334
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Cold weather can be bad news for vegetable gardens, especially if unexpected. While many plants are hardy and frost-resistant, most tender vegetables cannot survive sudden freezing temperatures. Luckily, there are some measures you can take to protect your garden from an unexpected frost. Here are some tips to remember:
Adjust your watering schedule to ensure you're watering during the day. The key is to saturate the soil rather than leave extra moisture on the leaves. Damp soil can trap heat and insulate the roots of the plant, protecting them from cold. As the water evaporates, it will keep the air slightly warmer near ground level.
Old sheets and lightweight blankets can make great DIY frost protection. Use garden stakes, hoops or other supports to create a low tent over the veggies with the sheet or blanket. This will keep them insulated and protect the tender leaves from freezing. Another great tip is to use pillowcases on your tomato cages--just make sure to remove all of the fabric in the morning so the plants can get the light they need.
Plastic is an incredibly efficient insulator. Many gardeners build vegetable greenhouses out of plastic sheets to keep the plants safe and warm in cold climates. Plastic sheeting is a convenient option because you can cut it to size; however, using plastic bins, storage boxes, garbage cans or any other plastic container works just as well. Place them upside-down over your plants to shield them from the frost. This is especially effective for seedlings and tender greens.
These are just a few ways to protect your garden from freezing temperatures. For a thriving garden any time of year, make sure to research the specific needs of each plant so you know where to focus your efforts.
Lynn Butterfield is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker and is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. Mr. Butterfield has 41 years of experience in real estate sales and development. His vast experience ranges from luxury sales through commercial sales and leasing. Perhaps more importantly, he focuses his attention on client success, whether he's helping someone buy their first home, or working with a developer seeking assistance to create and position a large project in the marketplace. One recent client said, "Working with Lynn is almost like working with a Real Estate Attorney, because he knows exactly what to look for, so you can be protected!" Another first-time home buyer just said, "I needed someone to hold my hand through this because it's the largest investment we'll ever make! I know he isn't in this just to make a quick buck. He really cares about his clients!"
Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. He would be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you.
