Last year, my pepper plants were getting flattened by the wind (ok, most all of my plants were, but somehow I wasn't sure the peppers could take it). I put a circle of sheer curtain fabric (I had a leftover piece) around them (not over though) and it really cut the wind without changing anything overhead.

You might be able to sort of "fence" your beds with sheer, or window screening, maybe even as big as hardware cloth, that might cut the wind speed enough to give the little guys a break.

I think this year, I am going to run twine about 12-18" up, through my corn to keep it from being flattened to the ground. Once the plants got bigger, they seemed fine in the wind.

You might also try wintersowing some of your seeds. I'm trying it for the first time this year. It may make them hardier.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tales of a Transplanted Gardener

I, too, am exposed, with 10-15 mph gusts being felt on a "normal" day, and 40-50 mph during an "active" day. What I've donw with the smaller seedlings is cut the bottom and top off of a 1 gallon milk jug, and press it right into the ground around the plant. This also works for rabbits and other small animals (if you don't have a fence, of course).

2 great ideas in as many replies! how cool is that! First, I guessed basically what wintersowing was by the name, but a google search took me to a great guide. This looks a lot more idiotproof than this year's adventures with a seed starter box and the under-counter kitchen lights, and in my case idiotproof is a good thing! ;-) As for the other, I can't believe the milk jug idea didn't occur to me! I think I have some old ones I can cut up and use for that purpose, at least for the lettuces. Thanks so much!

Here is a link that might be useful: Guide to Winter Sowing

When I use milk jugs for protection, I make a hook out of heavy wire (or a wire coat hanger), hook the bent end through the handle and jab the other end down into the dirt to keep the jug from blowing away. I like the jugs, if it gets really cold you can put the lid on and make it into a mini-greenhouse. Just be sure to remove the lid if it warms up.

Granny

Here is a link that might be useful: Annie's Kitchen Garden

One word.........Reemay. After that you can use insect cloth.

If you need pollination, then make a windbreak with it.

There is also a wintersowing forum here on GW and Trudi D also started a Facebook group if you're on there. The forum here is very active and has tons of info. It sounded too interesting and too easy not to try it!