On 30 May 2006 08:39:24 -0700, "tmo" wrote:

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately it was around 7:00 in the evening
when I was advised to cover the plants so there weren't a lot of
options.

A couple of follow up questions:
1. where does one find cloches for plants about 18 inches tall and
maybe 12 inches in diameter?

If all you're looking for is temporary frost protection, throw an
old sheet doubled up, or an old towel over the plants. I keep a
stack of old linens for just that purpose, although I use them
more in the fall than the spring.

If you want an early start, you might try one of the "Wall O'
Water" type products.

http://www.wallowater.com/

http://www.seedsofchange.com/garden_...tem_no=PS15689

http://tinyurl.com/c3p4q

Most seed companies carry some. Or you can get the smaller ones
of these: http://www.flowerhouses.com/intro.shtml

2. At what temperature can I stop worrying about needing to cover the
plants (tomatos, peppers & cukes) at night?

Be careful rushing your peppers, they really don't like having
their feet cold. I wait until there's a week of 50 F night's in
the long range forecasts before I'll put mine out. Oh, they'll
probably do ok in cooler weather, but they do become more
susceptible to disease, and often don't produce as well as they
might for the rest of the season.

As to the other, in the fall when I'm trying to extend the
season, I cover mine if the temperatures are going to be 35 F or
below. Also, if the wind is blowing and it's in the low 40's, I
will probably cover enough of the ones on the windward side to
make a wind break. Cold wind can be almost as bad as frost or a
freeze.


Penelope

--
You have proven yourself to be the most malicious,
classless person that I've encountered in years.
- "pointed"