With frost in the forecast for the next few days, it's time to consider action when it comes to flowers and vegetables. According to Tom Kasper, there are three main options:
-Cover the plants. Even a bedsheet will protect from overnight frost provided that the temperature doesn't get into the upper twenties. "If we get real cold, say 28 or lower," notes Kasper, "the frost will penetrate through that extra layer of protection."
-Bring them inside. If you can get those plants indoors, it may be the best option. "If you have too many plants it's hard to do something like that." In which case it might be best to...
-Harvest what you can. "Spend the day today, if you can, harvesting," says Kasper. Earlier this week Kasper and a friend - both concerned about the frost - harvested over a thousand pounds of tomatoes in an attempt to stay ahead of the frost.
Even one night out in freezing temps can spoil vegetables and kill flowers and house plants. The time for action is before that first night of frost.