Material to wrap cages when cold ~

[Tomstrees]

In the event I get "too antsy"
and want to settle my little ones into
my mater patch:

What would be some
materials I could wrap the cages
with in case of cold spell ?

Thanks,
Tom

[creister]

I bought some floating row cover material at Harris seed. It was about 45.00 for 1500 sq. feet. I covered 17 5ft x 2ft cages including the tops, as well as my 5 potted plants with the cheap store cages.

Research has shown that this type of cover disperses light more evenly, causing greater photosynthesis rates, giving higher production. I will leave mine on until the plants outgrow the cages.

I covered mine mostly to protect from high winds (20 + mph many days in spring)

[bonekittyslug]

Tom,

Sorry to get a little off, but your question just gave me a totally weird idea.

I grow in containers on the deck. During cold I could rip the electric blanket off the bed and throw that over 9 or 10 containers. Put the control in a plastic bag in case of rain.

Boy, I'm way out there... still...hmmmm! Could work!!!

Maybe I need a Valium...or four...

[Tomstrees]

lol ~ Mark ... who knows ... maybe!!? lol ~

So do you think you could just wrap the
cages with newspaper?

Don't cover the tops,
and remove when weather gets better ?

~ Tom

[creister]

Tom, I've heard of people doing the same thing with clear plastic drop cloth that painters use. Wrap the cage, and just pull up the sides when the temps get too high. Similar to Indians rolling up the sides of tepees during warm weather.

[bonekittyslug]

Originally Posted by Tomstrees

So do you think you could just wrap the cages with newspaper?

Don't cover the tops,
and remove when weather gets better ?

~ Tom

Yea, Tom, probably could, but I was kinda looking at how easy it would be to cover 10 all at once. Plug in over night, lift the whole works off in the morning. Very easy. No fuss, no muss. Just trying to reduce work, as I've become exceedingly lazy.

[Tomstrees]

when in cages , and set out early ;
do you need both side and top protection ?

~ Tom

[creister]

Just remember, cold air sinks, so I would personaly put tops on. I put tops on mine also because of wind and hail. We are in the severe weather season here right now. In fact, we have chances of some strong storms tomorrow. Need the rain, just nothing damaging. Good luck.

[bonekittyslug]

I usually try to be over cautious about things.

I figger if I'm out there covering up because I'm afraid of too cold, might as well do tops also, I'm standing right there anyway. But, hey, I'm a constant worrier.

If one had access to a good supply, I wonder about bubble wrap ..the big bubble kind. Ya always here how double and triple paned windows keep out the cold because of the dead air space. Look at all the dead air space in bubble wrap. Plus, might offer some protection from small early season hail....I wonder....

[creister]

Glad I covered the tops. Last night I had hail for about 15 min. and boy did it come down. Most was dime to nickle size, but a buddy south of me said he saw some golf ball sized pieces as well. Some of the tops had some tears in them, but all the cages I checked no plant damage. I wonder if the tears were from wind, heavy rain, or hail. Some holes were fairly round. I also read if you use row cover material, you only need to remove the top and material when the plant starts to grow outside the cage.

[Tomstrees]

I dont think I'll need to go that long
(growing out of cage) ~
But def. for those "cooler" nights ~
Looks like some bummer weather
coming up to out a dampen my plans ~
Rain, low of 43 ...
Lame ,,,

Tom

ps. I like the row cover idea though ~

[jwr6404]

Tom
You stated earlier."dont cover the Tops". What is your reasoning behind this suggestion? I plant in pots only and cover all my cages,including the top, with clear vinyl plastic using electrical ties. I do this to get a longer growing season. When I remove the plastic,mid to late June, I leave the top covered until the plant height reaches the top of my cage. I'm not really worried about temperature getting to high as our average temperature high in Jul/Aug is 76 degrees. If putting a top on is wrong I need to cease immediately. Still learning with a long way to go.

Jim

[Tomstrees]

re Jim:
You stated earlier."dont cover the Tops".
_________________________________

re:
I was thinking that by covering them completely
I would "cook" them ~ But now I realize that
you would uncover them as nec.

Maybe if I cover them with plastic
and have a small to medium size
hole cut in the top for ventilation?

~ Tom