As the temps cool down, maybe you've tossed an extra blanket on your bed. As it turns out, plants are also looking for some additional coverage.
As overnight temps start getting close to freezing, covering plants that are still bearing fruit with a blanket or a tarp can help extend the growing season. "It's not significant amount of protection, but just that small cover... will get you through a couple of those cold nights and keep those plants growing and producing," says Tom Kasper. A few degrees is all the more you'll be able to increase the temperature for those plants, but during these early fall days, that might be all you need.
If temperatures do end up dipping below zero and staying there, or dropping into the twenties, an extra layer might not be enough. If this happens, it's time to gather as much produce as you can off the vine regardless of ripeness. "If they do freeze, then they're pretty much destroyed," says Kasper.
Tips for Hardy Gardeners can be heard every other Tuesday morning on Northland Morning.
