Okay, so those little flowers you planted in the spring have evolved into the most beautiful and eye-catching floral display in the neighborhood. And just as you finally begin to enjoy the beauty you have created, you hear that ill-fated weather report. That dreaded first frost is on its way!
Now you're worried that this evil frost is going to swoop in while you're sleeping and destroy the fruits of your hard work. You're wondering how to protect your babies from such immediate danger. Well the most important thing you can do is not panic. It is possible for flowers to survive a frost, and here is how:
- Discontinue fertilization. Older leaves are much tougher than new foliage and are more likely to withstand a frost. Discontinue fertilizing in early to mid-September. This will limit the amount of new foliage before cold weather arrives.
- Water your flowers. Watering your flowers in the late afternoon will help the soil release moisture into the air around them during the night. As a result, the temperature of the air surrounding your flowers will be a bit warmer.
- Use a fan. A nice breeze can keep cold air from settling near the ground during the night. If it's a breezy night, you're okay, but if not, you will want to create this breeze artificially. This will reduce the frost's ability to form on your flowers.
- Cover your flowers. Cover them before dark! After dusk, you have already lost much of the stored heat in your garden.
- For large flowers: You may want to build a frame around your flowers. (This can simply be a few garden stakes.) Next, drape some sort of cover (plastic tarp, newspaper, sheet, table cover, cardboard, etc.) over your frame. If you don't have the time and/or materials to build a frame, you could just drape a lightweight cover directly over your flowers....
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Author: Dave Caldarelli