-
lovely_star
- Full Member
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:02 pm
- Location: Long Island, NY Zone 7B
Low Temps
I have four raised beds where I am growing a variety of vegetables. I am in zone 6B where temps have been below average this season. For instance this weeks nighttime temps range from 45-50 degrees. I have two hot beds (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, basil, etc) and am wondering if I should cover these crops to protect them from low nighttime temps?
-
ButterflyLady29
- Greener Thumb
- Posts: 1030
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2015 9:12 pm
- Location: central Ohio
Re: Low Temps
Covering usually works to keep frost off. I brought my tomatoes in only because the temps were below 40F.
-
applestar
- Mod
- Posts: 29336
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 7:21 pm
- Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)
Re: Low Temps
Extended low temps like this can stunt them.
Even lightweight garden fleece can help a little -- maybe 2-3 degrees -- heavier garden quilt will keep temps about 5 degrees above. BUT you need to take the covers off as soon as the direct sun is on them in the morning and heats up above ... I'd say 57°F if you have peppers and squash in there, 52°F if just tomatoes.
Even lightweight garden fleece can help a little -- maybe 2-3 degrees -- heavier garden quilt will keep temps about 5 degrees above. BUT you need to take the covers off as soon as the direct sun is on them in the morning and heats up above ... I'd say 57°F if you have peppers and squash in there, 52°F if just tomatoes.