Not Too Late To Protect Gardens From Frost Damage

The first freeze of the season set for Monday night.

But the freeze warning for Middle Tennessee through Tuesday morning does not mean the fall season is over.

Putnam County Agriculture Agent Wayne Key said there are steps gardeners can take to protect plants for the rest of the growing season.

“Plant response to cold weather is different and every plant is different,” Key said. “But with cold temperatures like these, many of our in-ground or soil-grown plants that are in a garden or in a bed can easily be cared for with row covers.”

Key said for shrubbery, gardeners can simply put towels or sheets on top to protect the leaves. Potted plants simply need to be brought inside during the cold.

Key said that frost damage occurs on plants when ice crystals form on the leaves and draw moisture from the plant. He said the best way to avoid this is to make sure the soil around the plants stay well-watered.