Frost Protection (5010)

Unexpected spring and fall frosts can strike panic in many gardeners. There is no way you can accurately predict or control the temperature, but there are several measures you can take to protect your plants.

First, contact your local weather bureau to find out the average first fall frost and last spring frost for your area. This helps you judge planting and harvesting times so you can plan for frost protection. Remember, these are only averages. Frosts can happen weeks before or after the average date.

Low areas, where cold air settles, freeze earlier in the fall and later in spring. Areas close to lakes usually freeze later in fall, and freezing stops earlier in spring. Plants sheltered by buildings or larger plants are often protected from first and last frosts of the season. The heat from buildings, cities, and artificial sources also affect frost dates.

You may want to record the temperatures in your own yard and compare with the average for the area. This will help you decide whether or not to protect your plants from frost when warnings are out.

Predicted temperatures and the type of plants will determine the need for frost protection. Young transplants are tender and easily damaged by frost, so you should protect them. The frost may not kill the plant, but will interfere with its development.

Some vegetable plants tolerate frost and cold temperatures better than others. Tolerant plants include lettuce, spinach, chives, and the cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kohlrabi. Other crops such as carrots and parsnips can not only tolerate a frost, but can be left in the ground all winter if you mulch them heavily.

You can protect plants from a light frost where the temperatures get no colder than 28 degrees. Lower temperatures will probably kill plants, even with protection. Cover plants with cloth, plastic, newspaper, straw, or evergreen boughs in the evening before the frost occurs. The mulch will trap the soil heat around the plants and prevent freezing. There are many types of row covers on the market to protect plants from frost. You can use these row cover materials to extend the growing season in spring and fall.

You can also use a water sprinkler to protect plants from frost. As the water freezes on the plant, it gives off heat. The heat keeps the plants from freezing. Continue sprinkling until the ice melts off the plants.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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