Prepare for frost with these handy tips
Harvest ripe fall fruit, such as persimmons, that may be damaged by frost. Kathy Morrison
After a very warm October, we’re now shivering at night.
It may seem extra early, but frost is in the forecast for the next several nights – especially in the foothills. Downtown Sacramento is expected to see overnight lows dipping into the low 30s.
It’s a shock to our systems – and our plants, too. October averaged afternoon highs of almost 83 degrees – four degrees above normal. Three weeks ago, we were still seeing days in the high 80s.
Storms earlier this week dropped 0.97 inches on Sacramento – and kept overnight temperatures in the upper 40s. But with clear skies come cold nights. According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento can expect lows in the 30s all next week with frost warnings early Monday and Tuesday.
In several recent years, Sacramento’s first frost hasn’t hit until mid- to late December. But historically, frost can bite us any time between early November and the first day of spring. In 2020, we had our first frost warning Nov. 10, although actual freezing temperatures didn’t hit until two weeks later.
Like any challenge, it’s best to be prepared. Have your frost cloths handy and be ready to bundle up your garden when the forecast predicts 32 degrees or colder. Especially at risk are new transplants.
Keep these frost tips handy, too:
* If there is a frost warning, cover your sensitive plants with frost cloth, blankets or cloth sheets (not plastic) before sunset so radiant heat will help keep them cozy.
* Remember to uncover plants during the day (especially if it’s sunny) or they can be smothered by their frost protection.
* Harvest ripe fruit that may be harmed by frost. Don't let pomegranates and persimmons freeze on the tree. The same goes for early citrus such as lemons, limes or mandarins.
* Citrus trees (particularly young trees) tend to be susceptible to frost damage. Limes are the most frost tender. Make sure they get some protection before frost hits.
* Wrap trunks of young citrus trees to insulate them from frost.
* Holiday lights – the old-fashioned kind that get hot, not LEDs – can help keep plants warm, too. Wrap a string of lights around the trunk and branches. Keep the lights on all night.
* With some exceptions, keep plants watered. Frost injury occurs when ice crystals form on leaf surfaces and draw moisture out of the leaf. The damage from dehydration is what causes frost burn.
* The exemption to this rule are cacti and succulents, where saturation can cause more damage. Also, such tropical plants as bananas and hibiscus may rot if over-saturated before frost, so they prefer to be kept on the dry side.
* Don’t overprotect. Plants are more frost resistant if they’ve experienced some cold weather and winter hardening.
* If frost damage occurs, wait until March or April to prune off browned branches. That injured area will help protect the rest of the plant from further frost burn.
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Garden Checklist for week of April 14
It's still not warm enough to transplant tomatoes directly in the ground, but we’re getting there.
* April is the last chance to plant citrus trees such as dwarf orange, lemon and kumquat. These trees also look good in landscaping and provide fresh fruit in winter.
* Smell orange blossoms? Feed citrus trees with a low dose of balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) during bloom to help set fruit. Keep an eye out for ants.
* Apply slow-release fertilizer to the lawn.
* Thoroughly clean debris from the bottom of outdoor ponds or fountains.
* Spring brings a flush of rapid growth, and that means your garden needs nutrients. Fertilize shrubs and trees with a slow-release fertilizer. Or mulch with a 1-inch layer of compost.
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* Pinch chrysanthemums back to 12 inches for fall flowers. Cut old stems to the ground.
* Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds.
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* Plant onion sets.
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* Transplant petunias, zinnias, geraniums and other summer bloomers.
* Plant perennials and dahlia tubers for summer bloom.
* Mid to late April is about the last chance to plant summer bulbs, such as gladiolus and tuberous begonias.
* Transplant lettuce seedlings. Choose varieties that mature quickly such as loose leaf.
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