Frost Advisory: Prepare for Chilly Temperatures

Introduction
A frost advisory is issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 32°F (0°C) within the next 24 to 48 hours. This can damage or kill sensitive plants, so it's important to take precautions to protect your greenery.

What is a Frost Advisory?
A frost advisory is a warning that frost is possible in the coming hours. It is issued by the National Weather Service when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) at ground level. Frost is a thin layer of ice crystals that forms on the ground when the air temperature is below freezing. It can damage or kill plants, so it is important to take precautions when a frost advisory is issued.

When is a Frost Advisory Issued?
A frost advisory is typically issued when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit at ground level. This can happen in the early morning hours, when the air is still cool and the ground has not had a chance to warm up. Frost advisories can also be issued in the evening, when the sun has already set and the air is starting to cool down.

Who Should Be Concerned About a Frost Advisory?
Anyone who lives in an area where frost is possible should be concerned about a frost advisory. This includes farmers, gardeners, and homeowners with outdoor plants. Frost can damage or kill plants, so it is important to take precautions to protect them.

What to Do When a Frost Advisory is Issued
When a frost advisory is issued, there are several things you can do to protect your plants:

• Cover your plants. You can use a variety of materials to cover your plants, such as sheets, blankets, or plastic. Make sure to cover the entire plant, including the leaves and stems.
• Bring your plants indoors. If you have potted plants, you can bring them indoors to protect them from the frost. Place them in a warm spot where they will not be exposed to cold temperatures.
• Water your plants. Watering your plants before a frost can help to insulate them and prevent them from freezing.
• Use a heat source. If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you can use a heat source to keep the temperature above freezing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
When protecting your plants from frost, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

• Don't cover your plants with plastic bags. Plastic bags can trap moisture and cause your plants to rot.
• Don't overwater your plants. Overwatering can make your plants more susceptible to frost damage.
• Don't wait until the last minute to protect your plants. The earlier you take steps to protect your plants, the better.

How to Step-by-Step Approach
To protect your plants from frost, follow these steps:

1. Check the weather forecast. If a frost advisory is issued, take steps to protect your plants.
2. Cover your plants. Use sheets, blankets, or plastic to cover your plants. Make sure to cover the entire plant, including the leaves and stems.
3. Bring your plants indoors. If you have potted plants, bring them indoors to protect them from the frost. Place them in a warm spot where they will not be exposed to cold temperatures.
4. Water your plants. Watering your plants before a frost can help to insulate them and prevent them from freezing.
5. Use a heat source. If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you can use a heat source to keep the temperature above freezing.

Stories and What We Learn
Here are three stories about frost and what we can learn from them:

• The story of the farmer who lost his crops. A farmer in the Midwest lost his entire crop of corn to a frost. He had not taken any steps to protect his plants, and the frost killed them overnight. This story teaches us that it is important to be prepared for frost and to take steps to protect your plants.
• The story of the gardener who saved her plants. A gardener in the South saved her plants from a frost by covering them with blankets. She kept the blankets on all night, and her plants were not damaged by the frost. This story teaches us that it is possible to protect your plants from frost if you take the proper precautions.
• The story of the homeowner who lost his trees. A homeowner in the Northeast lost several trees to a frost. The trees had not been properly pruned, and the frost damaged the branches. This story teaches us that it is important to properly prune your trees to prevent frost damage.

Conclusion
Frost can be a serious threat to plants, but it is possible to protect them if you take the proper precautions. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your plants safe from frost damage.