Question
Hello, I live in Mass and the last couple of weeks have been very cold. We have had 2 frosts and day time temps were down in the 40's for over a week and a half. This past weekend I decided to winterize my plants. I picked out a perfect spot in between two bushes in the front yard. I thoroughly sprayed all the plants with safer fungicide. I set the trays down with the pots in them, put dowels in the pots and placed 2 layers of "weed block" fabric over them to create a make shift tent. On top of the weed block fabric I put a couple inches worth of leaves for insulation. The bushes are exactly a tray width apart so I figure the bushes will add extra protection form wind. Does this sound like it will work? Here is my problem, this past week and the week to come are suppose to be in the mid 50's and one day suppose to top out at 61 I believe. Should I uncover my plants to allow them to get sunlight over the next week in case them come out of dormancy? Or should I just leave them be and wait out the warm weather?
Best Regards, Ken

Answer
Lets address the method of insulation.  In theory, it should work.  However, I've never experimented with this method, so I can't comment on its efficacy. For growers in similar USDA zones as you, I've recommend at least 6 inches of mulch.  The weed block fabric is a good idea to make it easy to remove the mulch in spring, but I'm not sure if only a couple inches of mulch is enough for your region. I'm also not sure if the dowels are a good idea.  I don't know how well this setup will stand up to snow.  Other than that, using the bushes as shield from wind is a great idea.

The other issue is using leaves.  I've backed off on recommending leaves several years ago because of the increased risk of mold.  Wood chips and pine needles are better.

As for winterizing your plants, you're a bit early for your USDA zone. You can actually wait until early next month (or late this month if it's better for your schedule).  

Once you winterize your plants, don't worry about temperature spikes.  The goal of winterizing your plants is to prevent large temperature swings.  If your plants are properly insulated, the temperature spikes shouldn't pose any problems.

I recommend watching Volume 1 of the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series.  There is a video specifically on winterizing plants.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin