Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
DRIVING HOME JUST NOW, I heard on the radio a rather frightening forecast. Here, in the Hudson Valley and Berkshires region, temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens tonight. Yes, the teens! And such cold can spell doom for tender, winter-sown seedlings like cosmos, morning glories, bachelor buttons, etc.
If you are one of the many A Garden for the House gardeners who have annuals sprouting in milk-jugs, you can save your seedlings very easily. Either throw a blanket over containers, or move them to the unheated garage or shed (do not bring the seedlings into your warm, dry house). I’m using the blanket-method for mine.
Of course, un-sprouted seeds and sprouted perennials need no such protection. It’s only the tender, annual seedlings that require a comfortable cover on below-freezing nights.
Justin says
Kevin, thanks for the newsletter with the alert. As I mentioned in another post, I do have cosmos that's already sprouted. I'll cover them now.
What about hollyhocks? I don't remember – are they annual or perennial?
Carol says
Thanks! I'm in a warmer zone than you (6), but it's supposed to get below freezing here this weekend, too. Would you believe I have zinnias and french marigolds sprouting in milk jugs? Both sprouted during last week's warm spell. They are going into the garage tonight.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Justin – hollyhocks are perennial – they can withstand frost.
Carol – I have a number of annuals that sprouted last week, too, encouraged by the warm temps. Hence my panic when I heard the forecast!
erin says
Thanks Kevin, Alot of my seedlings arre starting to pop up! Im hoping the warm sunny weather returns soon.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Erin – warm weather is indeed returning soon. Below freezing tonight, but then we're in the clear. Low 70s predicted for this time next week!