Late Spring Frosts

For some, May marks the last of the late spring frosts. June marks the beginning of summer (summer solstice), but in some areas of the country, it also marks the last of the spring frosts. Late spring frosts usually hit around the 1st day of summer, the 21 to 23 of June - sometimes earlier, sometimes later. Being prepared and watching the nighttime forecast can go a long way in saving your plants.

BetterLivingThroughPermaculture.com

So what can be done? Well, like I mentioned be sure to watch (or listen) to the weather forecast so you have an idea when a frost is likely. Second is have a way to cover your plants to protect them from these late spring frosts. 

There are several ways to  protect your plants:

• Dry soil loses heat faster than wet soil. Water the garden thoroughly before nightfall.
  The soil will release moisture into the air around your plants during the night, keeping the air somewhat warmer.
• Cover plants with a mulch of straw or leaves. Be sure to remove the mulch first thing in morning after the temps are above freezing so the plants do not overheat.
• Sheets, blankets, large towels or tarps made of similar fabrics will trap the warmth from the soil over the plants and prevent freezing. These are usually effective when temperatures drop into the upper 20s. Again remember to remove these promptly in the morning.
• If the plants are small enough, use a gallon milk jug with the bottom cut out or any other kind of 'cloche'. There are cloches on the market that are pretty nice and look pretty in the garden.

Here is a good tutorial on how to make cloches from gallon milk jugs: http://betterlivingthroughpermaculture.com/?p=98

Of course these ideas for protecting plants from late spring frosts can be applied to early fall frosts as well.

Linda Foley
About the Guest Author: Linda Foley lives with her husband in Northern California. She blogs about gardening, small livestock, homesteading, and life. You can contact her via her blog @ LinderCroft