I haven't visited in quite a while! Unfortunately I ended up moving my last bunch of plants outside last year because they weren't doing too well indoors, only to have a hurricane move in and sweep them away a few days later. I'm now not limited to growing indoors anymore, and have a nice sunny balcony! But this brings new challenges. I've never dealt with a cold front affecting plants before. The temperatures are supposed to be highs of 84, lows of 62. How will this affect my plants? Right now I have Swiss chard, peppermint, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and jalapeno peppers. The one I'm most worried about is the jalapeno, since what I'm finding is that it needs temps nearer the 80's. Daytime that should be no problem, but it will be much cooler in the night time. Can the jalapenos weather out those chilly nights and be OK with the warmer daytime temps? Should I move these guys inside at night and then put them back outside during the day?
Your jalapeños will die with the frost, better to bring them in. The mint will also die back with the frosts, but will regrow in the spring.
62 is not going to damage your plants. its cool but not life threatening to them. if it get into the 50's they will still survive just not mature quickly. if they are in pots and you are worried move them in.
Hi @DogThumbs I don't grow peppers but as other members have suggested they're better brought in doors. Winter As with most pepper plants, Jalapenos do not fair well in cold weather. Any time the temperature drops bellow 40 the plants are in danger of damage or death. Covering the plants can help during short cold spells, but digging them up , putting them in a large container (a 5 gallon bucket works well) and moving them indoors durring the cold spells may work even better. This technique can extend a plants life fore a few years if kept in a sunny place. http://www.zone9garden.com/how-to-grow-jalapeno-peppers
Thank you everyone for the advice! It has made me feel a lot better about these little guys. We have maybe one or two frosts a year, so I'll watch out for them and make sure my babies come inside for those nights! I'm glad to know that they'll be OK for this first cold front. I have a special spot for the jalapenos to hang out at night inside for when it gets a bit chillier.
@DogThumbs it's better to be safe than sorry and having a place for them indoors where they'll feel heat, is better than frost taking them...it's so annoying when you loose plants you've watched develope
50`s or 60`s is not going to hurt them but as Carolyn said will slow the growth a bit until it warms up !! Below 50 ,, bring them inside !!
Pepper plants actually do quite well indoors for the winter. We had 55° this am so it won't be long before I bring mine inside. Herr is a link with several people showing how they prepare their peppers for the winter inside. https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=overwintering+pepper+plants
