Help! Possible frost tonight, what & how should I cover...

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davis1676 Disputanta, VA(Zone 7a) Apr 15, 2008

I just transplanted lots of things (hostas, phlox, mums, etc.). I also planted & have new shoots on dahlias & peonies. What do I need to protect & how? davis

This message was edited Apr 17, 2008 4:19 PM

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plantenthusiast Montreal, QC(Zone 5a) Apr 15, 2008

Debbie,

The peonies should be okay, they are very hardy. Dahlias are frost tender, and as for transplants, it might be a good idea to give them some protection. Hostas are usually quite hardy, however whether it is damaged by frost really depends on how far along the leaves are in growth, and so on. Perennial phlox are usually quite hardy and a tough plant in general, however the annual forms would certainly need protection. If you have a floating row cover, such as Reemay, that is what we use to protect against frost. There are different thicknesses depending on how low of temperatures you need to protect to. Run down to the garden centre and pick up a roll or a pack if you have none.

Otherwise, the best thing that I can suggest (now this depends entirely upon how much how have planted) is to cover the plants in the evening with a cardboard box (or something similar), and remove it tomorrow once it has warmed up somewhat. This is what we use to protect our tender Aroids when they emerge in Spring.

Good luck,

-Plantenthusiast

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davis1676 Disputanta, VA(Zone 7a) Apr 16, 2008

Thanks Plantenthusiast! I was able to cover the ones with flower buds and those I considererd the the ones most susceptible to the cool air. I used boxes on then, I piled up th mulch, over the lower growing ones (Hostas). With any luck I saved them. Thanks for the advice, I'm feeling like a beginner in many aspects. New location, new pure clay for soil, tree roots everywhere, feels like I'm just sarting the process. Think I'll check out the "landscaping for beginners" thread to see if it will help, thanks for your advice. I'm sure I'll be back with more quiestions soon. Take care...davis

This message was edited Apr 17, 2008 4:18 PM

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Apr 16, 2008

I used to use plastic, but use several layers of newspaper now if it will cover the plant. A stone or two if there is wind. Cheaper, light weight, works just as well and recyclable.

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JeanK Deland, FL & Hot Spr, AR Apr 17, 2008

Newspaper seems to be much better than plastic. Sometimes if the plastic isn't removed soon enough, because plastic doesn't breathe, it can cook tender plants.

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Apr 17, 2008

Old t-shirts, or anything fabric works well too. Even not so old ones... they can always go in the wash.

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