Re: Freezing Temperatures in California & Elsewhere - Protecting Plants, Animals and Fish

All,

My garden is a Darwinian garden - survival of the fittest. If a plant doesn't make it because of a climate misfit, I don't grow it anymore. I planted one hundred feet of passiflora 'Coral Sea' on a length of fence knowing it was marginal here, but I like it. Now it's brown and appears to be totally dead and frozen. I'll replace it with a more hardy vine. The garden evolves this way and becomes easier to maintain and needs less water and energy inputs.

Steve French
Sebastopol, California

On Jan 12, 2007, at 10:05 AM, N Sterman wrote:

HI Linda

I get freeze all the time!  

I do two things - cover some of the more tender plants with floating row cover that you can buy from your local ag store or order from Peaceful Valley Supply, etc.  This is the same stuff that farmers use to cover their crops both for a few degrees of heat and to keep out critters.  You can leave it on long term instead of having to remove each morning like you do sheets and blankets.  

The other thing is I learn to live with it.  I know that many of the plants in my backyard (as opposed to the front yard) are going to freeze and that they'll come back after winter so I grit my teeth and let it all happen.  

Nan

On Jan 12, 2007, at 9:31 AM, Linda - The Lavender Lady wrote:

Hello all,
 
Anyone have advice on how they protect their borderline plants?  Freezing temperatures are expected in California for the next week or so.  I am covering my tender plants with sheets and blankets and wrapping my outside water spigots and insulating my well better.  I''m also keeping my cats inside at night (do anyway because of coyotes and owls).  
 
I have heard about floating a log in ponds with fish will keep it from freezing solid on top - does anyone know about this practice?  I have a sunken bathtub with some small Koi and so far they are doing well - I don't want to lose them - one has doubled his size this year from 2.5 to 5 inches. 
 
Thanks.
 
Linda Starr
Springville Lavender Gardens



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