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Nashville, TN

Although we're not projected to get a hard freeze (Nashville is supposed to hit 47 tonight - I'm usually 10 degrees cooler..).. It's very odd for us to be this far below average for the entire month of Sept! (especially after being above average - in the upper 90's-100 in July & August...)

So I'm eyeballing my options in order to protect these plants until Halloween...

I have two 'extra' very large 'hay tarps' that can each cover 100 roll 3-high stacks of hay... I believe the two of them can cover most of the patch... How much of an airspace between the tarps and the plants do I need to have for good insulation from a freeze? I can also pile some fresh barn waste just outside the 'kin plants - but under the tarps - for a natural heat source....

9/19/2006 7:22:39 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

At the temps you're looking at, one layer (the tarp you mention) should be sufficient.

Keep in mind also, that even if the worst happens and you get a freeze, only the leaves would be affected. That is, the vines would still be alive and continue to nourish the fruit, although likely at a lesser rate.

Take it from someone who's leaves turned black while still in August............. (kind of hit us by surprize this year).

I would get some three-foot rebar and place some rebar caps over them (little plastic orange things)... place these throughout the patch and then run the tarp over that, staking the tarp down on all sides. I wouldn't worry about the manure for heat... the ground would be plenty to keep them warm... unless you hit the low 20's...

9/19/2006 10:33:41 AM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

usually can get by with clear plastic lying right on top of plants

9/19/2006 12:43:40 PM

sevierville, Tn

wed nite is supose to be coldest for us. Should be ok to at least 36-38 this time of year. Also , i have found that if the plastic touches the leaves and you get frost on the plastic, then that touch point will also cause damage.

9/19/2006 10:50:00 PM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

the touch points are small percentage of your area
even the touch points are helped by about 3-4 degrees
but yeah, if it goes down to 29 and you want zero damage,
you need 2 layers or the rebar posts

nice part about posts
if sun is not too hot, leave on in daytime
improved growth if 80 under plastic instead of 60

9/19/2006 11:48:23 PM

Minnesota

Answered my question right there!! Soaker hoses, Keep the covers on.. Cut on Weigh-off day!!!
Hmmm, Gives me some ideas for next March!!!

9/20/2006 6:02:57 PM