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Re: Is 38 degrees harmful?

>It is supposed to get down to 38 degrees tonight and although I realize
>this isn't freezing, do I need to cover my tomatoes and peppers?

Yes, it's dangerous for tomatoes and peppers. Standard temperature measurement
is done about 2 meters (2 yards) above ground, but in clear nights without
wind, the temperature may fall up to 5°C (9°F) lower near the ground, or in
special locations (depressions). This depends on different other factors
like humidity and ground cover.

>I don't have anything ready to use so I thought I could anchor down
>some trash bags - would that work?  Any other last minute advice?

Your idea is excellent, take black bags if possible. Other usable stuff is
any sort of cloth or paper, but the best material at all is aluminum-coated
plastic ("astronaut's coat", snobs take the gold-coated one...) because it
reflects the infrared radiation from the ground, which is escaping in space
otherwise; the latter being the main effect for frost. Transparent plastic
is _not_ a good material for frost prevention.



Andreas


-------------------------------------------------
VIVIANI Comp   CH-8833 Samstagern    Switzerland
E-mail: viviani@active.ch  Dr. Andreas Viviani
Tel: +41 1 786 11 16    Fax: +41 1 786 11 25
Homepage:  /http://www2.active.ch/~viviani
---------------------------------------

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