Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Explaining a freeze, a frost and why it matters
We’ve had some lovely warmer temperatures and even some rainfall. BUT, we live in cold climates so that means cold ain’t over till Mother Nature says so.
And often she gives us more blasts of cold – I think she wants to remind us who is actually in control!
Historically, in my zone 4 area, May 15th has been the last frost date, however, with climate change that has been changing. In fact it’s closer to April 20th. Great but that’s still a few weeks away.
Here are some terms to keep in mind:
- A Light frost happens at 29 to 32 degrees
- A Hard frost is 25 to 28 degrees and a freeze is below 25.
- A Frost ADVISORY is issued when the minimum temp will be 33 to 36 degrees during the growing season.
- A Freeze WATCH is when there is a POTENTIAL for significant widespread freezing within the next 24 to 36 hours.
- A Freeze WARNING is when there’s an 80 percent chance that the temperatures will fall to 32 degrees or lower in the next 3 to 30 hours during the growing season.
- A Hard freeze is when the temperature is expected to drop to 28 degrees. If you can, cover tender buds and new plant life with a sheet or other material. Remove it during the day to enjoy sunshine even if you have to put it back overnight.
