Hi, bigredgarden - I was in same straits, similar plants a week ago when our Phase 2 of winter hit. I brought seedlings into the unheated laundry room for overnites, then out to the garage during the days. As soon as the air temp outside hit 35 I stuck them back out on the patio. You might want to give yours a little breathing room when they are being protected (untape the lid-flap), then plant ASAP when the weather clears.

My broccoli is going out tomorrow, spinach & mesclun mix are under a tunnel & there's not enough allysum to worry about, sadly.

Best of luck. Let us know how things go for you!

Hi,
As far as lettuce, broccoli and spinach-these are cold weather crops and should be fine with the tops off.
How cold does it get?
I've had mine uncovered in weather down to the '20's and they were fine.
The snow is no problem, I don't know how much cold they can take, ie if it goes below 20 degrees.
Somebody else will know that.
But if you are at the freezing mark, I would definitely uncover. Or a least uncover during the day and cover at night.

good luck.

ellen

If your annuals and tomatos have sprouted and the temps are dipping to below 32, I take mine and put them in a unheated hay trailor, a garage or some place that will be a bit warmer will normally let them ride this out. Also some toss old blankets over the jugs.

Think some one here uses a cold frame/green house and dresses it according to the weather that night. I am all for pushing the season here for earlier crops.

My tomato seedlings have made it thur a light frost but not a dip to freeze the water in the hose.

ML

my cabbages are outside since about 2 weeks ago. So far they are making it. I do keep plastic sheet over them on nastiest days/ nights.