The Great Tulip Cover-up

Ah, March—that temperamental month that strikes joy and fear at wild intervals in every gardener’s heart. The sun comes out, temperatures soar into the 50s, garden centers restock, tulips push through the dirt, birds chirp happily. And then, at the zenith of your false-Spring delight, the local forecaster utters two nasty words: hard freeze.

Almost immediately, gardeners in every region all over the world have very, very strong opinions about whether you should protect your tender plants. In fact, they might even argue your plants aren’t actually tender. “Look at the daffodils going strong!” they crow. “My hyacinths survived four inches of snow last year!” they remind us. “Tulips are tough! These were my grandmother’s!” 

Well, except…these are YOUR tulips. YOU pored over the bulb catalogs last fall and delighted in some exotic selections. YOU fought off the naughty voles and gophers and chipmunks by nestling your beauties into wire planting baskets. YOU sprinkled repellent into the holes and onto the ground to deter digging. YOU amended the soil. YOU paid more for organic products. YOU fertilized with Bulb-Tone. Maybe you planted in pots this year and focused on watering just enough, but not too much. And after all that, you crossed your garden-stained fingers.
​
So guess whose opinion about frost protection matters? YOURS. It’s your bulb, your garden, and your decision. Don’t let the naysayers on either side of this hot, hot issue get to you. If you decide to throw caution to the nor’easter wind, good for you! If you like to hover like a hummingbird, go for it! And if--if—you dare to protect your beauties from moody Mother Nature, here are some tips:

1. Start with a cloche. Garden cloches are wire or metal frames designed to protect growing plants from rodents and high winds. Sometimes they have long, thin “legs” to push into the ground for stability, and some are leg-less but heavy enough to sit firmly in place. They may be domed or pointy—like the Eiffel Tower. A tomato cage could even work, if your soil has thawed enough to really get those legs into the ground.
2. Or create a perimeter with plant stakes. Just be sure they’re taller than your plant and place them on the very outside of any foliage.
3. Add a cloth drape. A sheet or tablecloth works, but if you have access to more breathable fabric—like the spun-bond polyester found in Harvest Guard—that’s even better. The fabric creates a semi-greenhouse environment while letting in air. Plastic should be your very last resort for a cover—it’s definitely not breathable, and if it touches a leaf or bud it will burn.
4. Anchor with clothespins and/or bricks and stones. High winds often accompany a freeze, so the cloth must be secure. Pro Tip: Tuck under the ends so no gap lets in the freezing temps.
5. Consider a 10-gallon bucket or plastic plant can. These are better than nothing, but the same plastic rule applies: Don’t let any part of the plant touch the container and burn. Top with a brick or paver stone or rock to anchor it in place.
6. Uncover late-morning. Spring flowers don’t mind a little chill, but they definitely want sun! Reward them for surviving the night with a burst of warmth.

With this kind of weather prep, you should practically guarantee a showy spring. Now, go remind Mother Nature who’s really the boss of your garden.