Weary of watching tender seedlings destroyed by Colorado’s capricious spring weather, I started years ago enclosing chile and tomato plants with these simple devices. They protect against wind, brutal sunshine, hail — within reason — and even snow. Still, they give enough exposure to harden off plants slowly. Pressed an inch or more into the soil, they also protect against cutworms which (I’m told) travel in the top inch or so of soil. I pull some soil up around their base, too.
They will withstand even most Boulder winds. When hail threatens, the lids can be closed and secured with pebbles or handful of soil. Sudden temperature drop? Simply cover the “hatted” plants with leaf mulch, thatch, etc.
They can be removed before plants get too large or they can stay on through the season. I’m guessing they could be recycled in some community programs after the harvest.
I simply slice three sides of the empty carton with a razor knife, beginning on the side where there is a thick seam. Then I cut all four sides on the “pouring end.” It is possible to cut the carton in half and hinge both the top and the bottom to get two shorter covers from each carton but I like the taller ones. They protect longer.
Of course, you do have to get used to the neighbors’ wise-cracks about trying to grow milk or orange juice in your garden.
Got an idea? Send us your favorite gardening tips at grow@denverpost.com
Boulder gardener Rich Lathrop learned about resource conservation in his three decades at the Environmental Protection Agency.
