Each year when the first signs of spring emerge, we all hold our breath that a late-season frost won't harm our new leaves and flowers. When Mother Nature sends out one more bout of cool weather before she goes away for a few months, you don't have to be left out in the cold! Here are a few tips to help you battle those late-season frosts.
- Make sure your plants are well hydrated before a frost or freeze. Freezing is a drying process and it makes it worse on the plants if they're dry. Give them a good watering before a freeze so they won't be thirsty.
- Cover your plants. New growth especially flowers can be damaged by freezing temps. But don't be tempted to use plastic. It can cause more harm than good if it touches the plants. If your plants are tender, don't use a heavy blanket which can also cause damage because they may be too heavy. Frost blankets, lightweight burlap, or even sheets can help with frost damage and is the optimal choice.
- Move Indoors If Possible - this is especially true with tropical plants that might be damaged by temps less than 40. Keep them in a cool spot, and away from heat sources. Drastic temperature changes from outside to inside might cause some problems with a few plants if it gets too hot inside.
- If you do have some minor leaf damage from the cold, you can usually snip it off and when the plant starts growing again, you won't even notice! Most shrubs and hardy plants will recover from a slight frost or freeze.
Other considerations: Commercial berry and fruit producers often apply irrigation overhead during freezing temps to keep the plants from dipping below freezing. This is not usually practical in home garden settings as it would require constant overhead irrigation during the freezing period. It's best to provide adequate hydration so the roots can supply the necessary water to the flowers and foliage and to provide a lightweight covering. Wait until after Good Friday to do major fertilizing on outdoor plants. Encouraging a lot of new growth is not a good idea until you know for sure winter is done.