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Rocky Mountain Gardening

First time planting flowers... temp question

12 years ago

I planted Zonal Geraniums and Superstar Lobelia in window boxes this weekend and up to now have been bringing them inside at night and even during part of the day with the high winds. The forecast is supposed to be 70s during the day then 49-50s at night. Should I still bring them in? I'm mostly concerned with the wind that comes as well (up to 40mph) even during the day. How tough are these plants? I have hardened them over the course of about 3 days.

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Comments (4)

david52 Zone 6
12 years ago
The temps seem fine. Dry wind is a bit tough to deal with, but I've resigned myself to letting the plants 'deal with it' rather than babying them. So they can look just awful by the end of the day, but if the soil is moist, they will pick up overnight. Then the stems and what not toughen up to deal with the stress. I have a several hanging pots full of petunias that are getting this treatment.

That said, some of my tomatoes look just awful, and haven't picked up the next day, so they'll have to grow a new set of leaves. And there are a few geranium branches out and about that broke off.

So I'd suggest you leave them out in the wind and just make sure that the soil is moist so they can recover. Later in the summer, when the wind gusts from thunderstorms come around, they'll be tough enough to deal with it.

and keep your fingers crossed......
Christy Bell
Original Author
12 years ago
Will do - thanks so much. I guess I should get started on my veggie garden now, but I'm waiting for my row covers to come for wind/frost protection.
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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
12 years ago
How are you going to keep the row covers from shredding and overheating the veggies underneath, Christy?

Dan
Christy Bell
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh Dan... did you have to ask that? Um, let me think... the fabric on top is supposed to be lightweight to allow sun and water through. I didn't think about it shredding. Here is the link to what I am getting.. please tell me what you think.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fabric w/hoops

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