Cold Temperatures Expected Thursday Night.
Lancaster County is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures Thursday night into Friday morning, with lows predicted to reach 38 degrees. The National Weather Service warns that patchy frost may persist until 9 a.m. Friday.
For those hoping to preserve tender plants through the fall, here are some important steps to take:
Houseplants
If you have houseplants that have spent the warm months outside, bring them indoors before Thursday night. Local experts suggest ensuring they have enough light and humidity as they acclimate back to indoor conditions.
Outdoor Plants
For non-hardy plants like tomatoes, cover them with a light sheet or blanket during cold nights. You can also use plastic sheets or upside-down buckets, but make sure the covering does not touch the plants directly.
On the other hand, hardy plants such as mums, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower do not require protection and can withstand temperatures in the 20s.
If you have a container garden with tender plants, consider moving it into the garage or indoors on cold nights.
It’s important to note that the coldest temperatures can occur after sunrise. Therefore, wait until temperatures reach around 40 degrees before removing coverings or taking plants back outdoors.
After the frost, you can dig up tropical bulbs, such as canna lilies, for storage until planting next year. It’s best to wait until closer to Thanksgiving to ensure the plant is completely dormant before removal. However, avoid waiting until the ground fully freezes to dig them up.
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