How much do I need to protect my garden during spring weather?

This is my first year gardening and I don't even have my boxes built, that's on the schedule for this weekend but we are having some really severe thunderstorms and I am already worried about the plants I have yet to plant.

What kind of things do I need to do protect them once I do plant this weekend?

Thanks for your feedback,
"Worried plant mommy" :|

You can built a cover as described in the SFG book. What I did was a bit messier, but worked. My beds have become cat magnets so I built a variety of wire cages, some rectangle to fit over 3 squares and some round wrapped in newspaper to protect new tomatoes, pepper and eggplants. When a thunderstorm or light freeze was predicted I threw an old sheet over the top of everything and well anchored it around the edges. Worked very well. During one hard freeze, I laid a quilt topped by plastic to better insulate the bed with warm weather plants. All came through a 5" snow like troopers.

I don't know if it's still available, but there used to be a nifty product that was heavy plastic with a wire mesh imbedded in it. Made wonderful tunnels. But I haven't found it lately.

Thanks a bunch Belfrybat! I am hoping to get everything built this weekend and possibly start some seeds. Now I will make sure I get the protection I need to so I don't worry too much!
Thanks again!

How are you doing NatureGirl? Did you get much snow up your way? I woke up to about a half inch - really a "nothing". I didn't cover the garden last night, since the temp was supposed to be at or just above freezing here.

I have only planted things that should be okay with a bit of cold ... brussels sprouts, spinach, lettuce, onions and peas... they seemed okay this morning - just got home and couldn't check them in the dark tonight - we'll see how things look in the morning.

Hi Wyldflower!
I am doing good, really anxious to get my boxes built, filled with soil so I can plant my spring veggies. We'll see how much this weekends weather lets me get done.
We just got rain yesterday, throughout the night and this morning and then around 1 it turned to snow, we got about and inch, most of it is melted now but we are forecasted to get 3-6 tonight and into tomorrow. Ugh, I want to garden!

I am glad to hear your plants seem to have made it fine through this weather. I've seen some of your pictures, it looks great!

Do you know of any organic local seed companies? I am really trying to stay away from anything related to Monsanto or any other GM companies, want only organic and if it's local that would be even better. Since I am just starting out I thought maybe some more experienced gardeners in the area might know where I could go.

Good luck this weekend!
Stephanie

HI again Stephanie

Made it through another near-freezing night without covering the plants. They are looking just fine this morning!

I don't know any truly LOCAL organic seed sources, but can recommend 'seeds of change' and 'territorial seed co.' ...

In Colorado Springs, I'm shopping for my seeds and plants at Good Earth Garden Center - but this is their only location. They carry seeds from both of the sources I just mentioned. I'd suggest you look for a small garden center in your area and see what they have. I'm starting to get to know the owner of the garden center, and he's giving me some great info about varieties that work well in this area (though he's poo-poohing the SFG method, saying the vermiculite is not necessary)

just ran across your post about seeds try Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds at www.rareseeds.com they are great people to deal with.

I got almost all of my seeds for this year from Baker Creek. My first year trying them but they are great folks! http://rareseeds.com/

I bought most of mine this year from www.botanicalinterests.com. They are local to me and so far I have had good results with them germinating.

I like trying to stay local with my seeds as well. Luckily for me Harris Seeds is within two hours. I was so happy with my order this year that I even e-mailed them about my experience. I just checked the site and was surprised to see it on their testimonial page! http://www.harrisseeds.com/storefront/t-HG_AboutUs_Testimonials.aspx

Course they spelled my name wrong...but hey, if the seeds are right, who cares? LOL

About misspelled names from mail order..... lets you know who is selling your name to whom.

Oh, no, no! The only place they misspelled my name was on their website at the end of my testimonial. I read their privacy policy before I sent for my seeds. I've been a member for quite sometime and have never had any unwanted e-mails from them.

I really trust Harris Seeds.