According to legend, if a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow when released from his burrow on February 2, we can expect six more weeks of winter. I love a winter wonderland, but six more weeks? No, thank you! I’m hoping he’s not spooked by his shadow which means an early spring!
If you’re planning your spring garden, don’t rely too much on the groundhog’s shadowy prediction. Let’s be honest, he isn’t 100 percent accurate. Here are five ways you can protect springtime plants from an unpredictable weather!
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Turn empty laundry baskets, kitchen pots or terracotta planters upside-down to cover young, sprouting plants – it will protect them from heavy snow or severe weather.
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Place patio chairs over larger plants and shrubs to protect them from the elements.
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Cover the branches of blossoming trees at night with trash bags – but, remember to remove them in the morning so the blossoms don’t cook in the springtime sun.
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Use cardboard boxes to insulate plants against frigid temperatures.
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If you’re anticipating bad weather, think about picking up some sturdy wire mesh that you can use to encircle plants and then cover them with plastic.
