We just received an updated forecast...for the 4th time this winter, I'll be hauling my coveted tomatoes and other potted plants inside the house. I know many of you are already buried in snow, but down here this temp is well below the average. It's been happening the last three years. what 'used to be' zone 9b, is acting more like zone 8. i have even begun ordering plants that will tolerate that zone, and slowly doing away with tropicals in the yard. It's too hard to even put up a fight against mother nature at my age, and amount of time i have to dedicate to it. My husband built me a screened in 'greenhouse' if you will; to protect my beauties from insects and squirrels. but now i'm going to have to have him make removable plastic-covered panels that will snap in and out of the frame. That way i won't have to take an hour every cold snap just manouvering my babies in and out of the house. This time of year (I think I started tomatoes back in late October) i expect my tomatoes to take longer to bloom and fruit...now they are doing just that. So think of me this afternoon, wheelbarrow full of tomatoes, potted brugs and hibiscus; all headed into the house for an overnight stay. I hope this snap is not too hard on my eastern neighbors, who will surely have their babies buried from this same front. Good luck all Screen Garden ( photo / image / picture from Bodhi's Garden ) Screen Garden 2 ( photo / image / picture from Bodhi's Garden )
Great pens and great plants, Bodhi. It is so encouraging to see green things there. I am not jelous, because I know that each region has its cycle. I hope that they will do really well for you. Just keep posting update fotos when you get a chance.
...next morning... It didn't get as cold as they said it would (late night update to 25 degrees) But at dawn it did hit 32 for about 20 minutes. Now 35. i'm going to leave them in one more night, they are predicting 36, but it's always a couple of degrees colder where I am. Thank you for all of the 'heads up,' what a wonderful garden gang. I am so glad i found this little forum. Everyone so friendly and kind.
