“To Garden—or NOT to garden!”
“To Garden—or NOT to garden!”
The Groundhog is certainly getting some criticism this year as his prediction was for an “early Spring”….and yet here we are, almost mid-April, with snow blanketing many parts of the U.S. just days ago! The first warm temperatures beginning in March, though, bring forth such enthusiasm for gardening and planting activities that your vehicle somehow SENSES the need for a short drive to your local nursery to stock up on seedlings and plants!
What should we do in the Midwest about gardening when our temperatures may still frost well into the month of May?
First of all—know that on average, the LAST Spring frost ranges all the way until mid-May, so you may be safer to just wait and keep those seedlings inside. Secondly, the location of your garden can play a huge factor in whether your plants are damaged by a frost or not. Generally, the higher the elevation of your garden, the more likely your plants will freeze. The best SPOT for an early annual garden will be on a gentle, south-facing slope which is exposed to plenty of late-afternoon sun, and will be protected from the North wind. Also, a garden surrounded by trees, shrubs or out-buildings is less-likely from frost damage.
Finally, know the SENSITIVITY of your plants—immature plants that still had new growth showing well into the fall are susceptible to damage. Plants with dark-colored leaves absorb and retain heat and can handle a frost, as well as “compact” plants which have less to expose to the cold and wind and can ride out a frost better than a taller plant with smaller leaves.
What to do if you’ve already planted and a frost is likely?
- Cover the plans to retain soil heat and moisture and to protect from strong winds (cover the entire plant)
- Water your plants—as the water freezes, it will release heat, protecting the plants from damage
- Set up an electric fan by the garden (if able); even a small breeze can help stop cold air from setting on your plants and then freezing during the night
- Potted plants are more susceptible to frosts because their roots aren’t as insulated; move smaller pots indoors, or, wrap the pots in burlap or bubble wrap and place a cover over the foliage
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