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4/21/11
Newsletter Topics |
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Protecting your Plants from Frost or Freeze
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We are at that point on the calendar where we can still have temps in the 30’s or even 20’s. The frost free date for this area is May 21st. Many of you will have tender annuals planted before then. You could still have some trees and shrubs with flowers. Many plants will have tender new growth emerging. All these scenarios are vulnerable to a cold snap. |
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Let’s compare a frost to a freeze.
A frost can occur with low temps of 33 to 39 degrees. A freeze occurs with temps of 32 or lower. Both conditions need a clear sky over night. Frost and freeze occur in the early morning as the sun starts to rise. It’s always the coldest just before the dawn, usually around 6:30am. With a frost, go out in your landscape with your garden hose, attach a nozzle and spray off all your plants with water. Move quickly as you just have to wet the foliage. With a freeze, you’ll have to take a little more time for ice to form on your plants keeping them from most freeze damage. This is the same procedure used by the fruit and vegetable growers in Florida. These conditions occur on cloudless nights meaning you will have sun in the morning helping to heat your plants. These procedures are a lot more effective and much better ways to prevent damage than a bed sheet or other types of cover. |
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| Final note: for freeze conditions, be sure to keep your hose protected so it doesn’t ice up and be of no use. |
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