Question
Hi Jacob and Jeff

  I am growing a variety of temperate CP,  Sarracenia, VFT and sundews in two large outdoor bogs, as well as in pots. I am in Ulster county NY about 90 miles north of NYC.   Both the bogs and potted plants  get full sun get full sun for more than seven hours a day. They are planted in a 50/50 mix of peat/sand.  I water them with either rain water or water that has been passed through an RO filter.

   I have looked over the extended forecast for the next two weeks, for the most part daytime temps are supposed to be in the high forties, low fifties. Nighttime temps are forecasted to be in the low 30's, high 20's with the one or two dips to the lower 20's. These low dips are near the end of the forecast period so those could easily change. Also there certainly is still the potential for a major snow storm ... though by this time of year the snow doesn't last too long.

  Because the weather does seem to be favorable to uncovering my bogs, but the weather in New York this time of year is unpredictable I was hoping to get your thoughts on bringing my plants shortly , perhaps in a week or two. Also should a severe drop in temperature occur or a significant snowfall, what would be the best way to protect the plants. I was thinking black plastic ?

Thanks for everything -- you guys are the best.

Happy spring.

Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,

If the daytime temperatures are staying above freezing consistently, then I would say it's safe to remove the covering.  Having some temporary covering handy is a good idea.  A snowfall isn't of too much concern, but clear cold nights could be of more concern.  If it's going to be below 25 it's a good idea to cover them.  Even here in Oregon we've had newly emerging foliage nipped by late season frost.  We had a freak freeze in early May once and lots of S. flava had damage on new pitchers.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com