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Minnesota([email protected])

I'm thinking of planting my only AG plant that's ready, this Friday. The forecast is for nighttime lows of around 35F on Fri. and Sat. night. Will this cold weather set the plant back? I can protect against frost, so frost damage isn't a worry.

Dpug

5/13/2004 12:05:03 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Sorry for the double post. I was trying to spell my name correctly.

5/13/2004 12:07:02 AM

Deer Park WA

If it's got a true leaf and roots pooking out better plant it with a "Space Helmet" or some type of cover over it at nite.

Gerry

5/13/2004 12:58:11 AM

[email protected]

If it is early temps you are worried about, and you dont have a full closure for the plant, use a cooler (ice chest or styrofoam cover, but put 2 gallon jugs filled with hot water under the cover with it. or.. if possible, just runa drop light under the cover with it. The minimal heat factor from just a 75 watt light bulb will help heat the small space for the short duration! I would get a 100 watt if you could, but the typical 75 watter would work.

5/13/2004 6:45:30 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

What Rock said, it works :0)

5/13/2004 7:19:30 AM

Kenyon, Mn.

Doug, mine have been out for over a week,(check out diary) the next couple of nights they will need some help(cover,light,candle) mine are in hoop houses, but a makeshift one will do, I use 5 gallon water jugs on some of my garden plants, where in Mn.?

5/13/2004 7:23:17 AM

Kenyon, Mn.

Doug, to clarify, I use 5 gal. water jugs as Cloches on some plants.

5/13/2004 10:15:28 AM

We're expecting a low of 35 tomorrow night. I have two 100 watt bulbs in my 6 by 10 cold frame (one suspended above each plant). They have been keeping it warmer than the outside temps, but this will be the first "cold" night that they will have to warm up. I haven't been home much to check on night temperatures (I'm at college), but I will be home tomorrow, and let you know how they work. I might cover the plants with rubbermaid tubs as well.

5/13/2004 3:12:00 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

last week temps got down to 31, weather man predicted a low of 39 -- had three plants out at the time in hoop houses heated with one 100 watt bulb in each hoop house, animals water dish had ice in it come morning but plants were unscathed.

5/13/2004 3:42:17 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

Will be testing my system tonight I'm afraid, 5 p.m. and it is 39, with a steady 15 mph wind from the north.

5/13/2004 5:51:31 PM

Eveleth MN

I'm not scared, 800 watt ceramic heater works good :) maintains a steady 60*f on COLD nights, I freaked out a bit when the lows got to 24*f a few days ago and the thermometer shows 33*f in the hoop house. Decided to put ceramic heaters into action instead, got them for 75% off at Target a few weeks ago, 10$ each!

5/13/2004 6:19:28 PM

Eveleth MN

I was using a single 100w bulb when the temps got down to 33*f in the hoophouses.

5/13/2004 6:20:14 PM

Wisconsin

The last couple years, I have used 250 watt heat lamp bulbs like the ones they have sometimes in motel bathrooms. They are nice because they they fit in a standard bulb socket and they are cheap ($3-4 at Menards). They also direct all the heat in the direction that they are pointed so not much heat is wasted. I place them about 2 ft from the plant and they keep the plant area at the perfect temp. I hope the power doesn't go out on Sat night when it is suppose to be 32 degrees.

I think the "southern" people should spot us "northern" growers a couple hundred pounds. Up in Eveleth, you deserve even a bigger handicap. I will be headed up to Lake Vermillon fishing in a couple weeks and will think about you when I drive by.

Jim R, Eau Claire, WI

5/13/2004 8:53:03 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks for all the suggestions!
I live in central MN, near Alexandria.
I hope to get my plant in the ground tommorrow. I'll likely use a styrofoam cooler as a cover, and maybe dry grass clippings over the plant. The garden is quite a ways from an electrical outlet, so no lights or heaters will be used. I think I'll be O.K. Thanks again.


Doug

5/13/2004 9:16:26 PM

Eveleth MN

JimR, I live just off Highway 53 east of the highway, the city of eveleth is on the west side of the highway. I spend alot of time on Vermilion, My grandma has a place on the lake and I help install and remove the navigation / safety bouys every year.

5/15/2004 12:45:22 AM

Kenyon, Mn.

Geez, last two nights, even though the first "check" was fine, I was up twice, outside, 1:30-3;30 a.m. Making sure, inside a nice 45.

5/15/2004 12:25:17 PM