Diggin' In: A Letter From Hoss 🌱

The old-timers always said we need a good cold winter to kill the bugs — and they’re right. It helps cut down on pests and knocks back those pesky summer weeds. A solid cold spell is good for all of us. It’s nature’s way of giving the land (and us) a little time to rest and reset for the upcoming year.

   Now’s the time to start thinking about plant protection. Right now, we’ve got strawberries, onions, collards, broccoli, and a whole host of other brassicas growing. A good rule of thumb: when temps drop below 20–25°F, it’s time to cover your plants. Some hardy crops can handle down to about 20°F, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Here are some good options for covering:

• Pine Straw – It’s usually easy to find, and it works well. The downside: it can be a bit time-consuming to remove.

• Clear Plastic – Great for keeping frost off plants. The downside: you’ll need to remove it as soon as the sun comes out and things start to warm up.

• Old Sheets – The thicker ones work best, and most of us have a few extras lying around. They breathe well and offer solid protection. The downside: they don’t cover much area, but they’re perfect for raised beds.

• Commercial Plant Covers –​Supreme Plant Protection Cover
  These work the best of all. They’re lightweight, easy to install and remove, and come in a variety of sizes. We’ve found the 1.5 oz fabric to be ideal. Use pins to keep them in place so the wind doesn’t blow them off. The downside: they cost a little money. But if you take care of them, they’ll last for years.

   If you decide to go with plant covers, go ahead and order some now so you’ll have them on hand. Don’t wait until the last minute and stress about shipping delays when the next cold snap hits.

   Let’s focus on the good — not the bone-chilling weather. The good news? Those greens are going to taste way better now that the cold’s hit them.