From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Minnesota([email protected])

Here in central MN there's a chance of frost tonight. I'm wondering how much frost protection my cold frame/hoophouse will give my plants? They are about 4' X 5' with a 3 mil plastic covering. They've been closed most of the day, as it's been cool today.

5/16/2007 7:39:16 PM

Nova Scotia

you'll be fine unless they are calling for a hard or thick frost. even then you'd likely be fine

5/16/2007 7:55:15 PM

Maine

Would not hurt to put a few old blankets over the hoops at night.

5/16/2007 8:05:43 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

throw some sheets over the plants to retain the heat from the soil...never take a chance with frost...I have been wiped out twice over a chance of frost

5/16/2007 8:34:38 PM

Springfield, VT

About a degree or two depending on soil temps or about to 31 degrees F from past experience. When it gets that cold blanket or additional coverings are needed. A five gallon bucket or other in addition will provide additional protection.

5/16/2007 9:17:54 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

If yer real nervous, put a few bottlew of hot water inside the hoop houses... Peace, Wayne

5/16/2007 9:52:11 PM

[email protected]

Ditto the hot water bottles. Much better than blankets.

5/16/2007 10:15:47 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks guys for the responses. I decided to add some more plastic over the plants inside the cold frames. I think(hope) they'll be O.K. I'll sleep a little better now.

5/16/2007 10:34:28 PM

Puyallup, WA

Tell us what happened tomorrow morning!

5/17/2007 1:30:55 AM

Rhode Island

this year we went bck to using the small 6 ft length in ground heating cables. on cold night we also cover the plant with one of those cheepie walmart styrofoam coolers and, if need be a blanket over the cooler.

works real good. as the soil releases the heat it gets trapped somewhat inside the cooler.

pap

5/17/2007 5:46:22 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

30 degrees here...hope you guys did not listen to the weatherman and his chance of frost...darn right freeze here.

5/17/2007 7:47:36 AM

addison Il

what is up with this weather. It was planting time then it rains and we still plant as soon as it stopped and now the temps are in the 60s here not cool for the plants bring back the nice weather please LOL

5/17/2007 11:44:51 AM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Dont worry Curvy, it is going back into the mid 80's on Saturday.

5/17/2007 4:55:17 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

No frost here(38 degrees at 6 AM), but a co-worker about 20 miles west of me had a good covering of frost in the yard.

5/17/2007 6:05:54 PM