Wall-O-Water plant protectors for early tomatoes and peppers

Wall-O-Water (brand name) and similar water-filled plant protectors create individual miniature greenhouses around warm-season transplants, allowing you to plant 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The product consists of connected tubes filled with water that form a teepee around the plant. During the day, water absorbs solar heat; at night, it slowly releases that heat, protecting the plant to temperatures as low as 12-16 degrees F. This provides dramatically earlier harvests of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other heat-lovers. Setup: place the empty Wall-O-Water over the planting spot one week before transplanting to pre-warm the soil. Fill tubes 2/3 full so the tops fold together into a teepee shape. Use a 5-gallon bucket as a support form while filling. Plant small transplants (3-4 inches tall) so they fit entirely inside the teepee. As plants grow taller and emerge from the top, fill tubes completely to hold the walls open. Remove after all frost danger has passed. Each unit covers an 18-inch diameter circle. Cost: $15-25 for a 3-pack. They last 3-5+ years with careful handling. DIY alternative: surround a plant with 5-7 water-filled 2-liter soda bottles arranged in a circle, covered with clear plastic wrap. Less effective but nearly free.