Frost Advisory Issued for Ohio.
As winter approaches, Ohio is bracing for colder temperatures. The National Weather Service has announced a frost advisory for nearly half the state from tonight until Friday morning. Temperatures may drop to 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gardeners with sensitive outdoor or potted plants should take precautions against the impending cold. Here are some effective ways to protect your plants.
Protecting Outdoor and Potted Plants from Frost
An early frost can catch gardeners off guard. While some vegetables can tolerate light frost, many cannot. If your garden is still producing and you want to safeguard your crops, consider the following steps:
Cover Plants: The best way to shield plants from frost is by covering them. Use blankets or row covers, which can be found at garden stores in various weights. Bedsheets, drop cloths, and medium-weight fabrics also work well. Avoid using plastic.
When covering, drape the fabric loosely over the plant to allow for air circulation. Ensure the cover does not touch the plant. It’s best to cover plants in the early evening when winds calm down. Remove the covers the next morning when temperatures begin to rise.
Additional Tips:
Mulch Low Plantings: For plants close to the ground, add mulch or straw to protect them from frost until the risk has passed.
Water Soil: Moist soil retains more heat than dry soil. It can keep the air above it about 5 degrees warmer.
Build Cold Frames: Cold frames are bottomless boxes placed over plants to provide frost protection. These can be temporary or permanent structures in your garden.
Protect Root Vegetables: In milder areas, root crops can remain in the ground. Cover them with mulch for frost protection. However, in colder regions, or if the ground is likely to freeze, dig them up and store them in a cool, dry area.
Moving Potted Plants
For potted plants or container gardens, moving them indoors is advisable. Better Homes & Gardens suggests relocating them to an unheated area, such as a shed or garage, for adequate protection against early frosts. If a freeze is expected, it’s best to bring the plants inside where it’s warm.
Stay informed and protect your garden as the cold weather sets in.
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