You are right. Cover at bud stage and remove after the pod is formed. Then you would want to tag the pod(s).

The only thing I'd do differently is get a branch with several buds on it, that way if one or more drop you should have one or two that take. Although zn 3, you shouldn't have a problem with bud drop like we do in zone 6b and up.
Pam

Awesome, thank you. I also like the idea of covering a few pods together for possible flower drop.

Like others said.

I use row cover material, I find it cheaper and easier to work with than tulle.
I do branch ends and whole plants.

Bill

Branch:

Whole plant with a tomato cage around it:

Love that setup on the whole plant Bill. For sure to get those very 1st pods, which are often the best looking and biggest pods.

Kevin

I was in Joanne's store today. Tulles sell for about 2 bucks per yard. The width is also one yard, at least. I like tulle because they are not as air and light tight like row cover. No problem with wind , rain or watering. The white ones are almost transparent.

Dble post. Deleted the contents.

This post was edited by seysonn on Wed, Aug 6, 14 at 8:40

I'm just lazy, I'd much rather pay $8 for 60 6x9 inch bags, they already have the drawstring and ready to go. I do have row cover, and I did the same thing as Bill a couple of years ago (except I used big rubber bands to hold it down around the pot lid) but, why I don't like it, I always seem to bag up an aphid or two and before long the plants are infested. At least with a branch, it's just the branch that's infested. ;-) And I've got a bunch right now that are. I walked out yesterday and there was a lacewing trying to get the aphids through the bag. sorry guy.
Pam