Starting too early...

What happens if I put my plants outside too early? Not that I did that or anything. I looked at the extended forecast and I think I might be in the clear as far as frost goes. There may be a few chilly nights but only in the mid to upper 40's.

I too am chomping at the bit to get my plants out. I think I'm bing talked into waiting for a bit longer, though. For now, I have to resist planting more lettuce, spinach & peas. Otherwise I won't have any squares left for my warm weather plants to live!

Hi Aub! I fear I might be right with you. Last frost date was supposed to be April 25...and I got excited and put in some tomato/pepper transplants. Now that I see lows tomorrow and Tuesday nights dipping into the 30s....guess I need to figure out how to cover those babies quick.

Let's not forget that frost dates are only 50/50 shots at no more frosts. You get burned as often as you succeed. However, in many areas, if you wait just one more week, your chances go way down for frost. For me, in one week, I drop from a 50% chance to a 20% chance. Now, that doesn't stop me...lol. I just make sure I have hoops or covers, or both, to increase my chances. However, for tomatoes, peppers, squashes, cucumbers, etc, I wait the extra week.....maybe two.

This is a horribly slow start for most of our country. Another reason we should temper our excitement a touch.

To answer the question, though, if you plant too early, you run the risk of Mother Nature killing or stunting your plants. Watch your nighttime low temps. When it's forecast to be in the mid-30s, make sure you cover your crops somehow. Tarps and sheets of plastic work well until you get fancier with fabric and/or hoophouses.

I would also re-read Mel's section on "extending your season." He has some wonderful ideas/explanations that I am only touching on/repeating.

UnderTheBlackWalnut wrote:Hi Aub! I fear I might be right with you. Last frost date was supposed to be April 25...and I got excited and put in some tomato/pepper transplants. Now that I see lows tomorrow and Tuesday nights dipping into the 30s....guess I need to figure out how to cover those babies quick.

If the transplants are small you can make a homemade cloche out of a plastic milk
jug.

http://snarkyvegan.wordpress.com/category/how-to/

Hmmm... I may have to call around to get milk jugs!