When it comes to covering broccoli plants, the temperature at which you should start considering protection is when it dips into the 20s Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 degrees Celsius). This is because broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that can tolerate light frosts, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plants.
To determine when to cover your broccoli, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If temperatures are expected to drop below freezing overnight, it’s a good idea to take precautions to protect your plants. This is especially important if your broccoli heads are almost ready to harvest, as they are more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
There are a few options for covering your broccoli plants. One common method is to use a floating row cover, which is a lightweight fabric that allows light, air, and water to pass through while providing a moderate amount of insulation. You can drape the row cover over your plants, securing it with rocks or other weights to prevent it from blowing away. Make sure the cover reaches all the way to the ground to trap some warmth around the plants.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a row cover, you can use an old blanket or sheet to cover the plants. Just be sure to remove the coverings in the morning to allow the plants to receive sunlight and prevent overheating.
In my personal experience, I have had to cover my broccoli plants on several occasions when unexpected cold snaps occurred. I found that using a floating row cover worked well to protect the plants from freezing temperatures. However, it’s important to note that even with protection, extremely low temperatures can still cause some damage to the plants, especially if the cold spell is prolonged.
To summarize, when the temperature drops below freezing, typically in the 20s Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 degrees Celsius), it’s advisable to cover your broccoli plants. Using a floating row cover or an old blanket can provide some insulation and protect the plants from frost damage. However, it’s important to remove the coverings in the morning to allow sunlight and airflow.
