Living in Mid Michigan, especially around the Lansing area, causes a unique problem to a gardener. The weather here can change from blistering hot and humid to unseasonably cold in a single day. What is a gardener to do? The simple answer is be prepared for anything. It is essential to have the proper tools in place before the weather starts to change.
In Michigan the most volatile weather periods are those between spring and summer and leading from summer into fall. At these times temperatures range greatly from day to day and periods of drought or heavy rain are probable. Keeping a sharp eye on the weather report is the first step in protecting your plants. Know the forecast and treat the plants accordingly.
A simple kit that consists of the following items should be enough to take care of any minor weather change or trend. Of course, there might be some unseen weather phenomenon that this kit won’t cover but if there is your garden will probably be the least of your worries.
Garden Weather Change Kit:
- Roll of construction plastic
- Empty milk jugs
- Tomato cages
- Hoe
- Burlap or other light weight fabric
- Stakes
- Duct tape
-
Scissors
For very hot temperatures either during the spring or fall germination or for crops like lettuce and other greens that can’t handle high heat or direct sunlight a simple tent made of a tomato cage draped with light fabric can be placed over the plants early in the day to prevent wilt. If a rather large area needs to be covered a tarp with tomato cages at the corners and in the center can be built using a bit of duct tape to attach the fabric.
For cold weather cloches made from milk jugs can save a seedling from the harsh nip of a cold snap. Just cut the bottom off the jug and place the jug (top on) over the plant. During the mid day take the top off to let the plant breath. A large area can be covered by a plastic dome made from tomato cages with the ends held down with stakes.
When moisture is the problem milk jugs are the solution. During a dry spell fill a milk jug with water and poke a hole near the base. This is a slow irrigation method that will deliver a gallon of water to a plant each day. Adjust the cap to change the rate of flow, loosen it for a faster flow, tighten for a slower flow.
When too much water is the problem creating a rain barrier with a plastic tarp is the thing to do. Prepare it the same way a sun guard is created.
Comments