Frost Protection
In the Chicago area, the first frost typically occurs around mid-October. This is nature’s way of bringing the growing season to a close. The first frost is usually followed by a few more weeks of good weather. Frosts kill plants when the internal temperature of the plant is cold enough to break down plant cells, which causes plants to wilt and die.
If you have a vegetable garden, it is recommended that you pick your green tomatoes before a predicted frost, and store them in a dark and cool location (i.e. a closet) in order to ripen them up. Flowers planted close to your house have some protection from frost due to the heat from your home. If you want to prolong your gardening time you need to trap the heat from the soil around the plants. To protect from frost, you may cover plants with blankets, newspaper, straw, sheets, boxes, or plastic sheets (such as garbage bags). Apply covers in the late afternoon and remove them in the morning.
Watering your garden before a frost may also offer some protection. Wet soil will hold four times more heat than dry soil. Unfortunately, no matter what you do to protect your plants from frost, the weather will eventually end their growth.
|
William Quinn and Sons, Inc.
3860 W. 127th St.
Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: 708-389-8119
|
|
|
Home 
Contact Us | Site Map
