Colder air is moving in, and gardeners in many areas are preparing to protect their plants. Temperatures are forecast to drop low enough to cause frost or even freezing conditions, and proactive steps now could prevent significant damage to gardens.
What to Expect
Temperature fluctuations are underway, with some locations anticipating several hours of below-freezing temperatures. Gardeners have already begun covering or bringing indoors plants known to be sensitive to frost. The extent of potential damage depends on the duration and severity of the cold.
Protecting Your Plants
The key question for gardeners is whether to cover their plants. A light freeze, between 30–32°F, for 2–4 hours can damage or kill very tender plants like basil, tomatoes, and tropical varieties. A moderate freeze, 26–29°F, can seriously damage tender plants in just 1–2 hours, with several hours potentially proving fatal.
Plants needing protection sooner include warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash, as well as herbs – especially basil – tropical plants, and newly planted seedlings.
Best Practices for Coverage
To maximize protection, plants should be covered in the late afternoon or early evening to trap existing warmth. Covers should be removed in the morning once temperatures rise and sunlight returns. Effective covering materials include frost cloth or garden fabric, old sheets, or blankets – ensuring plastic does not directly touch the plants. Smaller plants can be protected with buckets or cardboard boxes.
Following a cold snap, watering is recommended to help thaw the soil and aid in the recovery of stressed plants. However, it’s important to avoid fertilizing immediately, as this could encourage new growth before the threat of cold weather has fully passed, leaving plants vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature range constitutes a “light freeze”?
A “light freeze” is defined as temperatures between 30–32°F, and can damage or kill very tender plants within 2–4 hours.
Which types of plants are most vulnerable to freezing temperatures?
Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash, herbs like basil, tropical plants, and newly planted seedlings are particularly vulnerable.
When should plant coverings be removed?
Plant coverings should be removed in the morning once temperatures rise and sunlight returns.
What steps are you taking to prepare your garden for the changing temperatures?
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