Two nights ago we had a frost which I thought was about minus 2 C. However, as the day went on there did not appear to be any plant damage. In fact. two little volunteer tomatoes were healthy.
At this time of year there can be warmth from the ground so freezing does not occur close to the ground.
So a killing frost is one that severely damages annuals and perennials. Many annuals and perennials have ceased activity but with a killing frost damage is done to plant vessels and activity in the plant stops.
Now there are some perennials that are very hardy. Today , I did my last yard clean up. The plants were finished. The peonies were not active. The grass would be active if we had moisture. Irises and lilies have been dormant for a while.
However, tonight we get a low of minus 5 C. That should cook everything. About 50% of leaves are on the trees so a heavy frost and the leaves drop very quickly.
So gardening for 2024 is over. We just have some clean up left.
We have not had a frost yet! It is sad to see the flowers come to an end. Take care, have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a little depressing once the plants are gone.
DeleteOnce it begins to cool off here, the frost takes over quickly. Nothing so far though.
ReplyDeleteHere , things gradually roll into winter but we can be surprised by a major storm.
DeleteWe haven't had a frost of any kind yet. When we do, the leaves will all jump off the trees!
ReplyDeleteThe ocean moderates your temperature greatly.
DeleteRight now, there is a chance of a frost this coming Tuesday but it is iffy right now if it will be a killing one. I'm hoping to avoid it just a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope things survive.
DeleteYou are right, that should 'cook' everything! I am waiting for that.
ReplyDeleteMinus seven is severe.
DeleteIt is getting chillier here after a warm day yesterday but I don't think we are expected to have a frost yet. I still have zinnias blooming.
ReplyDeleteZinnias are very hardy and can with stand quite a bit of frost.
DeleteWe never know when we'll have a first frost, and like yours, it might not be a killing frost. DJan live north of us and it gets colder faster in Bellingham than in Seattle.
ReplyDeleteWe are going home from the coast today and would like to start intensive garden clean up next week, but rain in in the forecast so it might have to wait. Hopefully it will be mostly done by Halloween, but even then we may still be mowing the lawn and cleaning up leaves.
Intensive yard care is about finished here. I will rake leaves a couple more times but that's about it.
DeleteWe had a "just enough" Frost the other night.. when it was -3⁰C further north...enough to get me to clear the tomatoes and get the haulms in the compost..and clear the large marbles that were purporting to be squash today.
ReplyDeleteYes, get all those tomatoes picked and in the house where they will ripen.
DeleteWe have similar pots of impatiens, one hanging and one on the ground. The ground one is doing better than the hanging one, but both are still surviving.
ReplyDeleteThe ones at ground level should last a little longer than the ones higher up.
DeleteStart all over again next year.
ReplyDeleteWe never give up . Do we?
DeleteHi Red, Well, I’ve been traveling for a while and had social media on the back burner. Went back this morning and viewed all your posts since September 26 “My Street This Week”. Thanks for the pics of the fall colors in your neighborhood. September 29 “Fall Colors” So interesting about tracing leaves. Nice compliment to your teacher, “Every moment to her was a teachable moment.” October 1 “October Songs” Nice list of songs you found. October 3 “More Golden Fall” More neat pics of the neighborhood around Spencer Street. October 6 “Irish Twins” Birthday 85 coming soon! 😊October 8 “Big Numbers” Yes, I hear you about the big decisions. My micro manager and I are looking at the same issues. Lastly, October 11 “Killing Frost” OK on gardening for 2024 is over. Wow, thanks for your many posts, keep up the good work. John
ReplyDeleteJohn, thanks for making comments that make m think about things. It's good that you got out and traveled down the coast.
DeleteWe've had low temps, but no killing frost, yet. But the calendar is relentless.
ReplyDeleteThe calendar is not only relentless, it goes too fast.
DeleteI remember those years in North Dakota and the coming of winter. Old Man Winter, we called him and he seemed to last forever. Now, here in Arizona, the low is only dipping at night into the upper 50's F. I would welcome so cooler weather now.
ReplyDeleteThe prairies had some very cold weather but when we were kids we played outside all the time.
DeleteWe are supposed to get a hard frost this week. We will see.
ReplyDeleteIt only takes one to do it.
DeleteI think we had a killing frost. My basil and morning glories are black.
ReplyDeleteYou've had enough frost to kill some things.
DeleteWe aren't that cold yet, but we're getting close. It was 36º F early yesterday morning.
ReplyDeleteYou do have a fairly mild climate there. It can get very frigid here.
DeleteNo frost yet but I am enjoying the leaves falling on our deck.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like gardening, killing frosts can be a blessing - no more grass cutting or hedge trimming till the spring!
ReplyDeleteRed, Happy Thanksgiving to you and the Micro Manager. Hope you two have a great day. John
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving and keep warm! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot .com
ReplyDeleteIt's been so long since I've felt those super freezing temperatures. I wish I could send you our warm weather, Red. And I could use a LITTLE of your coolness.
ReplyDelete