Weather Warning

Early spring has been great for working in the garden, and plants are taking advantage of growing conditions.  In fact just this morning I noticed some Hosta showing itself at home.

Unfortunately, there appears to be a good chance of frost in some parts of Chatham County on Wednesday morning.  And Hosta doesn’t take kindly to frost.  Actually for well established plants such as my Hosta, even if all the foliage is lost the plants will likely not be lost.  Established plants have a good bit of reserve energy stored underground and should do fine.  Less well established plants may suffer more serious damage.  And fruiting plants that already bloomed may experience some damage.

There are many ifs, ands, and buts not the least of which is where your plants are and the microclimate there.  Each plant, even varying stages of plant growth have different hardiness levels.  If you are concerned, there is a good chance that damage can be reduced or avoided with some simple covering.  A few years ago the same Hosta at home was under a blanket about 10 feet below the thermometer that registered 18 degrees; the Hosta was fine.

Fruit trees or large flowering shrubs are a bit more difficult to protect.  A blanket (or several if that’s what it takes) will do it if the wind allows.  The wind is another complicating factor.  As long as it blows, frost is less likely.  But if the wind backs off, frost may follow.

If the tree is too large for all your blankets, don’t despair.  You may be able to protect some young fruits or flowers if not all.  In marginal areas outer, more exposed tissue may be damaged with less damage in the interior.  Don’t despair.  Do the best you can.

Good luck.

alcooke

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