Prepare for a Frost Advisory: Protect Your Plants and Outdoor Assets

A frost advisory is issued when the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that temperatures will drop below freezing, potentially damaging sensitive plants, exposed water pipes, and other outdoor assets. Here's everything you need to know about frost advisories and how to prepare for them:

Understanding Frost Advisories

What is a Frost Advisory?

A frost advisory is a warning issued by the NWS when frost is expected to occur in specified areas. Frost forms when surface temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C) and water vapor in the air condenses and freezes on surfaces.

When are Frost Advisories Issued?

Frost advisories are typically issued in the spring and fall when temperatures are more likely to fluctuate and drop below freezing. They are usually issued several hours before the expected frost event.

Impacts of Frost

Effects on Plants:

Frost can damage or kill plants, especially tender plants like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It can cause wilting, discoloration, and leaf damage.

Effects on Outdoor Assets:

Frost can also affect outdoor assets such as water pipes, hoses, and outdoor furniture. It can cause pipes to burst, damage hoses, and weaken materials.

Preparing for a Frost Advisory

Protecting Plants:

• Cover plants with blankets, tarps, or row covers.
• Water plants thoroughly before the frost to increase their moisture content.
• Place plants in a sheltered location if possible.
• Consider using frost cloths or heating cables for additional protection.

Protecting Outdoor Assets:

• Insulate exposed water pipes with pipe insulation or heating tape.
• Drain water hoses and bring them inside.
• Cover outdoor furniture with tarps or bring it indoors.
• If possible, move sensitive items indoors to protect them from the cold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the frost advisory and not taking precautions.
• Covering plants too early, which can trap heat and damage them.
• Using plastic sheeting without providing ventilation, which can cause condensation and damage plants.
• Overwatering plants before a frost, which can make them more susceptible to freezing.

Pros and Cons of Common Frost Protection Methods

Blankets and Tarps:
* Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, provides good insulation.
* Cons: Can be bulky, may need to be secured, limited effectiveness in strong winds.

Frost Cloths:
* Pros: Lightweight, breathable, provides excellent insulation.
* Cons: More expensive than blankets, can be difficult to secure in windy conditions.

Heating Cables:
* Pros: Provides consistent heat, protects well in extreme cold.
* Cons: Requires electricity, can be expensive to operate, may not be suitable for all plants.

Water:
* Pros: Free, readily available, provides some insulation.
* Cons: Can make plants more susceptible to freezing if overwatered, may not be effective in very cold temperatures.

Additional Tips

• Monitor weather forecasts and heed frost advisories.
• Check your plants and outdoor assets regularly for signs of frost damage.
• If frost occurs, remove any ice or snow from plants and outdoor assets gently.
• Avoid watering plants during a frost event, as this can make them more susceptible to freezing.
• Consider planting frost-tolerant plants in areas at risk of frost.

Remember, by preparing for a frost advisory, you can protect your plants, outdoor assets, and save yourself time and money in the long run.