PLEASE ADVISE ME-- "FREEZING"

The weather has been very warm here in north Alabama. My peonies are up a few inches, Spirea and Buddleia have put out leaves, iris are about four to six inches high as are the day lilys. Buttercups and forsynthia are in full bloom and the weather forecast says rain and 28 degrees tomorrow night. Monday night 21 degrees and partly cloudy, Tuesday night 30 degrees. What should I do? What can I do? Will this kill everything? The tulips are coming up. I saw the first crocus bud today. The "thrift" i.e. creeping phlox is budded to bloom. I also have azelias and a rhododendron. The hydrangea has green sprouts at the ground. This is the first "spring" I have had a garden. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

As a general rule, I'd say there isn't anything you can do - but don't worry. Even if some of the early leaves are killed by the cold weather, there's plenty of time for all the plants to put out new ones. Just let nature get on with it! Early spring bulbs often continue to flower through the snow. My rhododendrons have fat buds and the hellebores are almost open. There are buds on the miniature iris and daffodils, and crocus, anemones and primroses are out and got covered in snow last week. The new delicate leaves of lupins seem to have been killed but I'm sure the plants are OK. Everything will be fine.

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I use burlap lengths to protect my outside potted plants. So far, so good!

Your bulbs will be fine - they take a lot of abuse and just keep coming back. Covering with an old sheet or blanket will help, but you MUST take them off when the sun comes up. Never use clear plastic as it can agravate the frost. Black plastic is better, but you can't beat an old sheet.
Kathleen

i saw a gardening guy yesterday say a sheet of paper would create a 15 degree temp difference. i am freaked too, i have way to many plants, just planted brugs outside in the ground this week (one almost 3 feet high), and many plants growing back from winter.... I am praying it won't be quite as cold as they say...

Doris, that cold front is headed my way, too. I have potatoes, lettuce, and spinach planted along with a bed of annual flowers. I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to water everything really well and cover with black plastic. I've used this method before and everything came through just fine. If you try this, be sure to take the black plastic off the next day if the temp is above freezing or your plants will literally cook. Good luck!

P2

MULCH,THICK. Your plants can take a few nights of the temps you described. Some times when cut a tree back. I use the cuttings (cut at least into 6 inch chunks)temporarly to cover the threatened plant . And when you can uncover them and put some pretty mulch over them later. Folded up news papers (the ones you didnt get to read and there they are in a pile in your garage ready for the recycling center. Can put around them too. Looks unsightly. Only a temporay solution, until the frost leaves.

We are looking for directions for freezing zuchinni. Can anyone help us out?

Deacon

Deacon,

You need to post this in the Recipe Forum.

"eyes"