Plants that have been moved or are newly planted can be extra sensitive to pests and cold temperatures. You mind might find yourself wondering why, after putting your plants in the ground, you end up losing a big percentage of your harvest. Well, lucky for all of us, there are some simple things you can do to protect your plants after planting them. Here are a few ideas.
1. Protective Fabric Tunnels
You may have heard of Reemay. It’s a brand name, but has become commonly used to describe the protective fabric that many gardeners use to protect their gardens from bugs (such as maggots) and colder temperatures. Reemay is very light, with fibers pressed together. It allows sunlight and water in, but still keeps pests out and and provides cover from cold or bad weather. Building a protective tunnel with this fabric is easy, and not too expensive. You can also cover individual plants you are worried about with glass jars, buckets, or fabric before a storm, and remove them as soon as the sun starts to warm things up.
2. Cages or Cones
Tomato cages can offer support for fragile plants, and also help keep leaves and stems elevated to protect them from pests on the ground.
3. Strategic Planting
Did you know some types of herbs and flowers actually repel bugs? Surrounding your vegetable plants and interspersing them with these natural pest-repellers can help ensure that you get to enjoy your harvest — before the bugs do.
4. Natural Predators
Many varieties of beneficial insects will eat the other bugs without devouring your plants.
5. Light Up Your Garden
Some simple strands of holiday mini-lights strung through your rows can help warm plants and keep frost at bay when you expect a cold snap.
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