Protecting vegetation from next week’s frost/freeze potential
No, you weren't dreaming it. Temperature did in fact get into the 90s earlier this week-- and as expected, we're continuing to wait for much cold air to blast into mid-Missouri by next week. We had a small taste of it this morning.
This may have some green thumbs across the area wondering what they need to do to keep their gardens safe. The unusually mild March and start to April has led to a lot of early blooming across much of the country.
Here are a few tips you can follow:
If you can, bring your plants inside!
This isn't always an option... but this will be your best bet on saving your plants!
If they need to stay out, get creative!
Outdoor plants can be covered in a variety of ways. One creative way is by using a gallon milk jug. If you cut out the bottom, that can work as a great cover to trap warmth around the plant.
Make sure you seal off contact WITH the soil. That will be the source of warmth for the plant!
For the ambitious...
If you're an early riser-- from just before sunrise and through the morning (til temperatures get above freezing), spraying your plants with a steady stream of water can help prevent them from getting damaged by the cold.
Know what works and what doesn't...
Some plants do well in the cold! Knowing how hardy your plants are is key in determining what you should focus on.
The good news is that our average last frost is April 10th - 20th... seems this cold snap is right on time. This area of cold weather is expected to start moving out as we transition into next weekend.
-Luke
