Spring is always a tenuous time with temperatures ranging from the 80's one day to 50 the next. The warmer temperatures do wonders in getting seeds to germinate and buds to break but once freezing is approached, things can go south very quickly.
If daytime temperatures begin to get cooler, keep a watchful eye on night temps. Once they hit below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to begin covering delicate perennials, herbs, veggies and bring indoor plants inside.
Weather channels also conveniently warn of freeze or frost warnings the day before. Take heed of these and use them to your benefit. Use old sheets, plastic or tarps or burlap to cover delicate plants.
In general, any tender new growth on an established plant is susceptible to frost damage in addition to flower buds. Hydrangeas and azaleas at this time of year have tender new growth and breaking flower buds that should be protected. All herbs and veggies should be covered or taken inside if possible. Some can tolerate a light frost but it is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, tender perennials, such as hosta, should be covered. Hosta, however, grow from the inside out so if the outer leaves are damaged they can be removed and the plant will look like new in a couple weeks.
Frost damage results in limp, wet looking leaves that will turn brown in the following days. The end sprouts generally also will turn brown. All these can be pruned off and the plant will only experience minor set backs for the growing year. Even herbs and veggies can bounce back if they are a big enough plant before the damage was incurred.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the garden center at info@mundsoutdoorliving.com
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If daytime temperatures begin to get cooler, keep a watchful eye on night temps. Once they hit below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to begin covering delicate perennials, herbs, veggies and bring indoor plants inside.
This is an image of plants with frost damaged that could have been prevented by
covering the plant the night before.
Weather channels also conveniently warn of freeze or frost warnings the day before. Take heed of these and use them to your benefit. Use old sheets, plastic or tarps or burlap to cover delicate plants.
In general, any tender new growth on an established plant is susceptible to frost damage in addition to flower buds. Hydrangeas and azaleas at this time of year have tender new growth and breaking flower buds that should be protected. All herbs and veggies should be covered or taken inside if possible. Some can tolerate a light frost but it is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, tender perennials, such as hosta, should be covered. Hosta, however, grow from the inside out so if the outer leaves are damaged they can be removed and the plant will look like new in a couple weeks.
Frost damage results in limp, wet looking leaves that will turn brown in the following days. The end sprouts generally also will turn brown. All these can be pruned off and the plant will only experience minor set backs for the growing year. Even herbs and veggies can bounce back if they are a big enough plant before the damage was incurred.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the garden center at info@mundsoutdoorliving.com
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