The timing for putting nursery plants in pots into a hoop house for winter depends on several factors:
1. Your Local Climate:
* First Frost Date: The most crucial factor is your region's average first frost date. You want to get the plants inside before the first frost hits.
* Winter Hardiness: Different plant species have different levels of cold tolerance. Some plants can handle light frosts, while others are more sensitive.
2. Plant Type:
* Evergreens: These plants can typically handle some cold, but it's best to move them indoors before the ground freezes.
* Deciduous: Deciduous plants generally go dormant in the winter. You may be able to leave them outside until the ground starts to freeze, but it's best to err on the side of caution and bring them in sooner rather than later.
* Tropical and Subtropical: These plants are extremely sensitive to cold and should be brought indoors well before the first frost.
3. Your Hoop House Setup:
* Heating: If your hoop house is heated, you can wait a bit longer to move the plants inside. But if it's unheated, you'll need to move them in sooner.
* Insulation: A well-insulated hoop house will provide more protection from the cold, allowing you to keep the plants outside for longer.
General Recommendations:
* Early Fall (September-October): This is a safe time to start moving plants into the hoop house, especially if your region has an early first frost.
* Late Fall (November): For most regions, this is a good time to move plants in. This allows you to get the plants settled before the winter weather really starts to set in.
* Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: The less time the plants have to adjust to the change in environment, the better.
Important Considerations:
* Acclimatization: Before moving your plants into the hoop house, gradually acclimate them to the colder temperatures and lower light levels.
* Watering: Be careful not to overwater the plants in the hoop house. During the winter, they will need less water than they did during the growing season.
To get the most accurate advice for your specific plants and location, consult with a local nursery or extension service.
