How to Protect Plants as First Freeze Nears

This is the time of the year when some of the northern reaches of the country begin to observe the first frost or freeze of the season. Savvy gardeners understand the importance of taking the appropriate steps to protect sensitive plants and vegetables from frosty conditions. Here is a look at what you should do now as the cold weather season approaches.

Learn Your Frost Dates and Stay on Top of the Weather Forecast

The first order of business is to learn the average first date of frost in your specific area. Almanacs are good resources for learning when you should expect the first frost or freeze to hit. It is important to understand that even a light frost of 32 degrees will kill tender plants. Hardier plants may survive minor frost conditions. Keep in mind that frost can form on plants even if air temperatures remain in the upper 30s. It is always better to err on the side of caution when protecting your plants.

Average frost dates are simply an estimate based on several years of data. In addition, frost dates are based on the readings at the nearest weather reporting station rather than specific microclimates. As a result, it is more important to monitor your local forecast when deciding when and how to protect your plants.

Moisture is another determining factor in whether frost conditions will result in plant damage. A higher amount of moisture in the air could raise the air temperature enough to prevent plant damage. Conversely, drier conditions often result in a higher rate of evaporation, taking away some of the protective heat.