173. Staving Off Spring Frost Damage. Sweet Potatoes

For many gardeners in USDA Zones 7. 8, 9 and 10, March is the month for new beginnings. The weather is warmer, trees and shrubs are blooming. But wait a minute… it’s still winter. Jack Frost can still be nipping at your plants, setting back the progress of new buds, flowers and leaves. On today’s Garden Basics, we have late winter and early spring frost protection tips for your new and established plants.Thinking of growing sweet potatoes? Good idea! Sweet potatoes are drought- and heat-tolerant and have few pests or diseases. Sweet potatoes are low in calories and very nutritious, a good source of beta-carotene, protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C and other minerals.  They can be stored longer than winter squash. More commonly grown in the South and west because they require warm weather, northern regions can have success with select varieties. But for a successful crop of this warm season favorite, you need to get started now, indoors. We revisit the info you need to grow sweet potatoes.We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Let’s go!Pictured:Spring Frost Damage on a BrugmansiaLinks:Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletterhttps://gardenbasics.substack.comSmart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/Dave Wilson NurseryHow to Grow Sweet PotatoesFrost ClothsFrost Protection for Tomato, Pepper plantsGot a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: [email protected] All About Farmer Fred:The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comDaily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.And thank you for listening.Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics  Newsletter.