If frost hit Lawrence County flower or vegetable gardens this morning, there’s nothing much to do about it now.

Thursday, April 27, 2000

If frost hit Lawrence County flower or vegetable gardens this morning, there’s nothing much to do about it now.

"If tender plants like tomatoes or annuals got hit by frost, basically you have to replace them," said Dave Dyke, Lawrence County horticulture extension agent.

But there are steps to take in case of future frosts, like the one predicted for Friday morning, Dyke said.

"I know people are setting out more tender annuals and perennials because of the good weather we’ve been having," he said.

However, the average last frost is May 10, which means just under two more weeks of threat.

"Warm season flowers, and vegetable plants like pepper and tomatoes can be covered with newspaper, which will probably save them from the frost," Dyke said.

Clear plastic doesn’t work as well because heat radiates through it, and that leads to damage from the cold, he said.

Some gardeners keep plants well-watered because moist soil holds more heat. Mulching around plants also has been used to protect against frost.

Frost can kill plants because the low air temperature freezes moisture on leaves, Dyke said.

"The way frost does the real damage is it forms ice crystals inside plant, which damages the cells," he said. "Once that freeze happens, it’s too late."

On the other hand, some hardy flowers like pansies should weather the frosty conditions very well, Dyke said.

"In fact, the pansies at the courthouse bloomed all winter long.

And some flowers around your house, especially if it’s brick, will be protected

Coverings over flowers, roses, vegetables and other plants should be removed as soon as possible after the frost, Dyke said.

Most apple and fruit trees are no longer blooming, so they should be fine unless there’s a full-scale freeze, he said.

"We’ve been pretty lucky this year, as early as things come out."

The National Weather Service has issued another frost advisory for overnight.

Temperatures again will dip below the normal of 47 degrees, predicted to bottom out at in the lower and mid 30s.

Friday night, lows return to normal, predicted between 40 to 45 degrees.

In the long run, frost warnings are only that – a warning to gardeners and flower enthusiasts to take precautions, Dyke said.

"There are some frosts we get that won’t hurt a thing and with others even a light coating will just knock everything out," he said.

There’s not much you can do but protect plants for the next time and hope it works, he said.