With cooler nights settling in, gardeners are being reminded to take precautions to protect tender plants from frost.
Saturday is expected to be clear, with overnight temperatures dropping to around 2 C. Gardeners could see frost forming, especially on tender plants, and are being advised to take precautions to protect flowers, vegetables, and other sensitive greenery.
Carla Hrycyna, host of the Lawn and Garden Journal on Golden West Radio and of St. Mary’s Nursery and Garden Centre, says some plants are more at risk than others.
“Mostly those begonias and your impatiens, the ones that have more of a texture, more volume of water in their cells. Those are the ones that are probably going to be the ones affected first with those little bit of cooler temperatures,” Hrycyna notes. “Even some of your hanging baskets, if you have some of those more tender ones, if you do get that heavier frost, those are probably a signal that they're done for the season.”
Home gardeners still have options to protect plants overnight. Using frost cloths, old bedding sheets, or covering containers can help extend the growing season.
Hrycyna adds, “If you're thinking of the other portions of the gardens, if you're out there and doing an early watering, if we do get a light frost, you can also do a little bit of an early watering to help regulate and maybe bring up some of those temperatures. A little extra water at this point of the year, if you've been in an area that has had less rainfall, that could be a benefit too for your garden.”
Resilient plants thrive in cooler weather
Not all plants are equally vulnerable, as some species actually benefit from cooler nights.
Hrycyna remarks, “Those ones thrive a little bit better and survive. If you're thinking of your hardy mums or some of the garden mums, and of course, ornamental kale, they really start to shine when the cooler temperatures come back.”
Even when frost damages more sensitive plants, there are ways to keep the garden looking vibrant.
Hrycyna says that while heavier frosts may end the season for some annuals, gardeners can often pop in other varieties from local garden centres to extend the season.
Planning for the next gardening season
Hrycyna also points out that the gardening season is far from over.
As gardeners wrap up summer projects, it’s the perfect time to plan for fall and spring planting.
“It is the next gardening season now that everyone has gone back to work and school after the holiday. So the next season is tulips, bulbs, and of course, garlic,” she says.
She encourages gardeners to enjoy what remains of the season while preparing for the next. Hrycyna notes that with a little planning, proper watering, and covering, most gardens can make it through early frost unscathed.
For home gardeners, keeping an eye on overnight temperatures and taking preventative steps can help ensure a healthy, vibrant garden well into the fall.
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