We got a killing frost last night. The temperature went down to minus 8C last night and stayed below zero for about 5 hours.
To me, summer is officially over when the first killing frost occurs. What's a killing frost? It's a frost that is severe enough that stops the activities in the plant. The plant is officially dead.
Now all that's left to do is cut down the perennials and throw out the annuals. I usually dig up the soil so that it is ready for next year.
It's a sad time for me when I stop watering and doing all the things you do to look after plants.
I did couple of oopsys last night. You have to make sure that all materials that will freeze are put away. I put all liquid chemicals in the house two weeks ago. Some how I forgot to empty the watering can and a small pitcher for watering plants. However, I got lucky and the frost did not damage the containers.
So I'm now ready if a severe frost occurs again or if it snows.
Thanks Red, think my area is next. Dee
ReplyDeleteWe know it's coming ...no surprise.
DeleteYou're straight into cold weather, no messing. Ours is a gentler descent, thankfully.
ReplyDeleteUsually it's a gradual change. This has been a very warm fall so when it changes this late it will be rapid.
DeleteWe have not had a frost yet, but the mornings are chilly.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great week ahead.
We should have had frost before this.
DeleteWe stopped water ing the vegetable patch this past weekend. Autumn is here as well.
ReplyDeleteI quit about ten days ago. the plants were finished.
DeleteIn the east, we have been experiencing a few very warm, summer like days, but we’ll be back to more typical October weather tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOur sept was abnormally warm. a good hard frost really woke us up.
DeleteWhile on my way a short distance west of the city yesterday morning, I saw vehicles coming towards me that had lots of snow on them. It's time to transition into more indoor interests.
ReplyDeletethere was lots of snow out in the hills.
DeleteGlad you are okay and made it through that first frost without incident. Yes, it's no longer summer any more around here, either.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that every fall the first frost surprises us.
DeleteNot cold here yet, although after today and tomorrow it will start to get cooler. Not near frost temps yet at all.
ReplyDeleteWell the water keeps you above frost.
DeleteI am awaiting our first killing frost so I can plant my garlic for next year and put the smack down on all those gnats that have been terrorizing my exposed skin the last couple months.
ReplyDeleteMistakes happen. Last year a hard freeze caught me by surprise and destroyed a sprayer nozzle and a brass Y-fitting I had. This year, I hope not to be surprised again.
Insects here become inactive in Sept. They must go by the sunlight.
DeleteRed, thanks for telling us about your first killing frost. My question: Is this killing frost early, about normal, or late for Red Deer? John
ReplyDeleteThis killing frost is definitely later than usual.
DeleteWe will bring in stuff and disconnect hoses etc next weekend, in prep for freezing :(
ReplyDeleteI just forgot the pails as they not in the usual fall prep.
DeleteWe haven't had our frost yet, in the evenings it has been the low 50s and we have also had 80 degree F. temperatures. Now I see it will be getting into the 60s this coming week. Glad you got things sorted out.
ReplyDeleteSince the soil is warm, it holds off the frost at ground level.
DeleteEven though the sun is shining, it is now cold in the shade here.
ReplyDeleteYes, noticeably cooler.
DeleteIt's always good to be prepared for the changes.
ReplyDeleteI did part of my prep but missed the two pails as I was still using them.
DeleteBrrrr. I'm remembering my youth not far from yours.
ReplyDeleteWe have not yet had a frost, but it is surely coming.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if we've had a frost yet. Probably not but summer is definitely over and I'm feeling it. I hope it doesn't get too cold this winter. Though we often don't get a lot of snow things are unpredictable these days and the air can get pretty chilly. I think houses in the north are better prepared for the cold but I know it's not warm. Good for you for getting your winter preparation done!
ReplyDeleteNo frost here yet.
ReplyDeleteDear Red your post reminded me my dear mother who would love gardening and it would seem that she found healing in looking after plants 🥹
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how bad it feels to loose your green friends around you giving you a fresh and beautiful smile everyday you look at them 🥰
Gosh... I've totally forgotten what it takes to get ready for each season. It's still too hot here.
ReplyDelete