QuestionQUESTION: I have just planted my veggie garden and last night the cold spell hit us unexspectedly, my plants wilted.... Help can I save them or do I need to spend another 400.00 in new plants.
ANSWER: Andrew:
It depends... I'll need more information. You may be able to save some things, if not all. Please tell me where you live, or at least what zone (if you know it). What did you plant? I have to assume that if you were able to buy a plant it should be the right time to plant it, but many stores and nurseries will sell plants too early because that way they can sell more! Also, how cold? Freezing, or just a frost? and what was the temperature today?
Elyse
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QUESTION: I live in souther Nevada. It got down to about 30 maybe a little warmer then that. There was not a frost per say just a cold. I planted peppers tomatoes rubarb squash and strawberries however the berries faired very very well. we are in zone 8 according to the map I looked up. the temperture today was about 65. and is going to be this way for most of the week. the cold spell will be gone by sunday. and I have covered the plants now with a sheet. we didnt expect the spell and so we planted all the plants are in well sun lit areas. I hope this has answered your questions to my question.
AnswerOK, that helps. If your tomatoes/peppers didn't turn black and mushy, it was probably above 32. A couple of degrees makes a big difference. covering them will help. Most of what you planted are warm weather crops, and don't do well below 50, though they will survive. The strawberries should handle it OK. Your last frost date is probably past, so technically you should be able to plant, but Mother Nature can't always be depended on to behave!
If you can get some Remay or other spun-bond material, you could probably keep everything covered even during the day. Once things warm up, cut off any stems or leaves that seem to be wilted or discolored, and give the plants some fertilizer to give them a boost. Best of luck!
Elyse
