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Covering seedlings or presprouted seeds in chilly weather #744509

Asked April 15, 2021, 1:55 PM EDT

I got my cool-weather seeds in about 10 days ago. Of course, I knew it could turn chilly again. Beets, Chard, Kale. A couple of the kale plants are starting to show. Would it make sense to cover the 80 or so sq feet with black plastic, to retain warmth over the next few days? I also have a bale of straw, which may be enough to cover. Is there a better solution? On a similar note: I have 2 clear-covered seed trays on heat mats. They are both under the same 4' grow-lite. One is all sprouted. The other, planted later, has not sprouted. I am keeping this one covered with cardboard to encourage sprouting. Anything wrong with this?

Lamoille County Vermont

Expert Response

The early warm weather  got many of us to start planting cool weather crops in our vegetable gardens.  Depending where you are in Lamoille County, you are in either zone 3b(northern part) or 4a, which could mean many more cool if not below freezing day/night time temperatures.  Black plastic may work for a day or so but a period of bright sunny weather could cook all your seedlings. It also will block all the sunlight. A better option are garden row covers, a woven fabric in three different weights, design to protect garden plants from insect damage(light weight) and as season extenders(frost protection in both spring  and fall).  Many commercial growers use row covers to get an earlier start and a longer growing season both in outdoor beds and unheated high tunnels.  You can check for this product at a reputable garden center or online from various sources.  It is available in various lengths and widths.

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