If you are just starting to put some of your tenderly cared-for seedlings outdoors for the first time this week take extra care with them.
Along with many gardeners around the country, many of the allotment holders here have started planting out beans, rocket and early lettuces, but the ground frosts have been playing havoc, scorching the tender leaves, and in many instances killing them entirely – a bit of a disheartening beginning to the growing season!
More ground frosts are forecast for this weekend, but when the seedlings are bursting out of their trays and clearly need transplanting, take a few precautions to protect them from the extremes in temperature and it will make all the difference.
Try putting tender new plants in a Cold Frame to harden them off for a few days, and once transplanted into the ground covering them with these handy Cloche Tunnels will ensure they have plenty of light and space to grow but stay nice and protected from the cold nights.
I don’t know if it works incredibly well, but I’ve seen some folks around here, use 2 liter plastic bottles as a cloche. They can remove the tops to allow air to circulate, and cut off the bottom so the bottle can be set down on top of the plant.