do a search in the "tropical fruits" forum, most of the members went to a different site, but their old posts are still there, lots and lots of pics on frost protection. mini greenhouses (pvc tents covered with clear plastic sheeting), with a heat lamp inside. running sprinklers all night. heat exits water as it freezes keeping the leaves/branches warm. mini greenhouses w/ Christmas lights. frost blankets. using hay/straw as insulation with a wire wrap cage.

I know it's a little late to be commenting on this post that turned up in my search for info on Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica. Although this thread didn't have anything to do with my question about Loquats, I couldn't stop reading. Scott, you did a great job on this article. I enjoyed reading it and learned a lot. I'm particularly interested in the cold frames you made with the PVC. Last year I made some out of wood for my mom and stapled plastic to it. I will not do that again. I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind. (1) What width or diameter PVC did you use? I didn't realize PVC was that flexible. What makes it hold that shape? (2) Did you just sink the ends of the PVC directly into the ground? I couldn't tell because of the blankets. I'd like to be prepared long before winter sets in this winter. Your frames are great because they look easy to construct and easy to dismantle & store when not in use. Thank you.

Leeks and parsnips can survive all winter here so cover them last. I have never grown celeriac. Kale is hardier than cabbage or Brussels. Here is my report from the 4 season forum from 11/16. I like to gather as much info on cold weather growing as possible. "It got down to 11 degrees here Tuesday morning so when I picked for market Thursday afternoon I wasn't sure which crops would make it even under row cover. Mizuna under one layer got touched enough to be unpickable. Napa under 2 layers was ok but outside leaves were damaged. Chard under 2 layers seems about done but a few inner leaves were fresh. Most lettuce under 2 layers was ok but some of the outside leaves died. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower was not dead but was soft. I didn't get a chance to check beets. Kale, spinach, tatsoi, arugula and bok choy were all quite good under 2 layers and have shown growth. Pea shoots under 2 layers were still alive and delicious. Turnips in the open didn't look great leaf-wise but were pickable. Carrots and parsnips were fine as well as leeks and scallions. Parsley, dill and cilantro under 1 layer were fine but had no growth. I plan on another picking of greens and carrots." A week after this I picked baby rutabagas that had not been covered and leeks.

After the first couple of winters in the ground and your plants get established, neither should need thermal protection in zone 8b. I think your enemy will be getting water into the crown of the palms, then having a hard freeze, not so much just cold temps. If they are really small you can cover them with a big plastic bucket or tub to keep the rain/sleet out of the crown/growing spear. I live in 8a and only worry about my youngest palms when there is freezing rain or rain followed by a deep freeze. Your fan palm may get its leaves frozen off at temps below 20, but should grow new ones back in no time....