KILLING FROST

     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. 

    

The Killing Frost Hit Last Night

       When September arrives , I know that it's only a matter of time before we get a killing frost. Last night was the night for a killing frost when we had a low of minus 6 C and below 0 for about 8 hours. So this morning no matter whether the plants were covered or not the were severely frost damaged .

      When frost is forecast here, I begin to worry and become tense as I do not like to see the end of a growing season. Once the evil deed is done, I can relax because frost is one thing I don't have to worry about anymore.

      So now I don't have to water plants everyday. No pleasure of walking by the plants each day to see their progress. The expectation of plant yield has come to an end. I will note the things I've learned this year so that next year changes can be made . Certain varieties will not be grown next year.

     Now I'm at peace and fall can take it's course. Many trees were shedding leaves by the bag full today. Fall cleanup can seriously begin.