I was crushed the first time I had my garden plants all set out for the spring and most of them were nipped by an unexpected frost. There’s always a chance that some rogue weather condition will get new plants. It’s also possible for them to get nibbled by birds passing through. Here are 5 ways to protect emerging plants from damage that might serve you well.
5. Mark Where Seeds Have Been Planted
It isn’t only the wild animals who are responsible for trampling seedlings. Humans have been known to walk right through a row of new plants without realizing what they were doing. Mark the area where your seeds were planted, so you don’t make the mistake of walking right over your new plants.
4. Spread Straw over the Seeds
Straw not only helps to keep most birds out of the seeds that were just planted, but it also provides a bit of protection against the weather. If there happens to be a sudden down pour before your seeds are able to become well-rooted, the straw will keep them from washing into one big pile.
Frequently asked questions
I know, it's so easy to accidentally trample them! Try marking their spots with little flags or using decorative stones. It’s like leaving sweet 'Do Not Disturb' signs for your plants while you're working in the garden.
Diseases can be sneaky. Keep it simple by watering in the morning to dry leaves off during the day and don’t forget to space your plants properly to improve air circulation. It’s like a mini spa day for them!
Totally! You can invite good bugs, like ladybugs, to your garden to snack on the bad ones. Or, make your own garlic or chili pepper spray. It’s like a homemade forcefield for your plants!
Weather can be a real plant bummer, right? For cold snaps, use garden fabric or even an old blanket to cover them up at night. For heat, a little shade cloth can help keep 'em cool. It’s like giving them a tiny vacation from harsh weather!
Ah, the classic battle with wildlife! Try using physical barriers like chicken wire or netting. They might not look super pretty, but they do the trick and keep those hungry critters at bay!
3. Put a Cage around the Freshly Seeded Area
Cages deter humans and animals both. They also provide support for tall spindly plants that might be damaged by high winds. If you have plants that are sought after by deer, be sure to use cages that are tall enough deer cannot put their head over the top and munch on the plants inside each cage.
2. Place Black Cloth over Newly Planted Rows
The black cloth sold at gardening stores allows water to seep through to the plants, the black color absorbs the warmth of the sun, and the cloth itself keeps frost and critters from coming in contact with your sprouting seeds.
1. Cover with an Empty Milk Jug
An empty milk jug creates a miniature greenhouse over the top of a new plant. This enclosed area will keep water from evaporating too quickly and provide some additional warmth for the young plant.
Out of these 5 methods for protecting new plants, which one sounds like it would work the best for your garden?
Top Photo Credit: sandia15
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