It's not as hard as you may think.
Anybody who likes growing a few veggies at home, usually gets excited this time of year. The birds start chirping, the daffodils pop up, and the warm days remind us that spring is right around the corner. Getting an early start on those spring veggies can be a lot of fun, but as we all know the weather on the Outer Banks can, and is very temperamental. You really have to watch for frost and quick drops in temps, not to mention the strong winds that can create make for some nasty wind chills. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to take a chance and get on it early.
Choose plants that are suited for colder weather such as broccoli, cauliflower, and peas.
Make sure you have a way to cover your garden in case of frost or even the illusive late snow.
Use materials for cover that can withstand the wind that often accompanies the cold temps.
Plant only what you need. That way if you do have a loss it will be minimal and easy to replace.
Consider using a cold frame or some type of seasonal structure for cold season crops.
Incorporate manure and compost into the soil before planting. This will raise the soil temps as the material breaks down.
Happy gardening!
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