May 7, 2020 - 10:54am -- stone.91@osu.edu

Sounds like a frost or two might be in our futures. 

Temperatures predicted for Friday evening (May 8) and early next might deep below the freezing mark. Some say we might even see some snow - no accumulations are expected. 

But want will those temperatures do to the plants in our landscapes and gardens?

If you planted annual tender annuals like tomatoes and peppers, or impatients and begonias - you will need to provide protect and cover the plants. If there are in containers, you can simply move them into a protected location. Coverings can include plant coverings sold commercially, or a bed sheet will work in a pinch. You should avoid using plastic because if the plant touches the plastic, it can be damaged at that contact point. Coverings should be removed once temperatures are above freezing and then recovered if another evening of freezing temperatures is predicted. 

Blooms on trees and shrubs will likey feel the impact, but often those plants are two large to cover. Temperatures hoovering around the freezing point will impact flowers and tender foliage, but will not kill the plant. 

Vegetable plants like peas, lettuce and kale should be fine and they prefer cooler temperatures to the summer heat. 

We might see some twisted and contorted growth on some plants as the season progresses and will need to remember this event as a possible explaination later in the season. 

If you have any questions about your garden or landscape, please reach out to the OSU Extension's Horticulture Hotline. Normal Hotline hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10 am - 1 pm, but because of the timing of these upcoming events, please email lucascountymastergardener@gmail.com and the email will be monitored on Thursday evening and Friday for those questions. You can also call 419-574-0986. Please leave a message if you don't get a live person and your call will be returned in the order it was received.