Late spring frostsevery year cause significant losses in many gardens in our country. The days are mostly warm and sunny at this time of the year, which causes plants to begin vegetation and thus lose their resistance to low temperatures. As a result, the nighttime temperature drop, even slightly below 0 ° C, causes many plants that have already entered the phase of active growth to freeze. How to prevent it? Here are proven ways toprotect plants from frosts !
Frost in the garden
When there are frosts
Frosts down to -2 ° C are considered to be mild, but they can also be harmful to our plants. Frosts from -2.1 to -4 ° C are known as moderate frosts. However, drops in temperature below -4 ° C are already strong frosts.
Plants that begin their vegetation early and species from warmer climates, which we are more and more willing to plant in our gardens, are most vulnerable to damage bygarden frosts . Damage is very often visible in orchards, where flower buds of fruit trees or fruit buds are damaged as a result of frost. We wrote about the protection of fruit plants against frosts last year in the article spring frosts in the orchard. Today we will focus on protecting ornamental plants and vegetables against frosts.
The climax of the fight against frosts falls on the second decade of May, and the days from 12 to 15 May are a particularly dangerous period. These daysthere are quite strong frosts almost every year The last day - May 15 - is Zofia&39;s name day, not without reason commonly known as the Cold Zośka. It is assumed thatafter this period the danger of frosts passesand it is now safe to sow and plant plants that are sensitive to negative temperatures. "
How to protect plants from frosts
So how to secure plants in the garden and protect them from the disastrous effects of late spring frosts? Here are some basic tips that will helpminimize the danger of frosts :
- Delicate species that begin their vegetation early,do not plant in depressions of the ground , because this is where the cooled air accumulates, causing the occurrence of frosts. These are the so-called Frost pools.
- Very sensitive plants should begrown in sheltered parts of the garden , and planted at the foot of retaining walls and building walls. Stone surfaces, strongly heated by the sun during the day, give off heat for a long time, preventing significant temperature drops during the night hours.
- Let's take care ofappropriate substrate moisture . The water contained in the soil heats up during the day, accumulating heat that will be gradually released on cool spring nights.
- Rational fertilization is also important. Excess nitrogen, combined with potassium deficiency, significantly weakens the condition of plants, thus favoring their susceptibility to frost damage.In early spring, therefore, do not overdo nitrogen fertilizationand use multi-component fertilizers containing potassium.
- In the cultivation of annual plants and vegetables, the dates of sowing and planting seedlings should be adapted to the climatic conditions.Seeds of species sensitive to cold can be sown into the ground after May 10so that the first emergence does not appear until the danger of frost is over.
- The seedlings should not be planted until after May 15Remember to first gradually temper the plants, i.e. get used to the conditions in the open air (e.g.by airing tunnels and greenhouses in which seedlings are growing during the day, or by lifting windows in frames). After May 15, we can also plant popular balcony plants, such as geraniums and surfinas, into pots and boxes on balconies and terraces.
- Particularly sensitive or valuable specimens should be additionallyprotected against the arrival of frostsWhite spring agrotextile, corrugated cardboard or decorative glass lampshades, more and more often available in garden centers, can be used as a covering material. A bucket or a large pot set upside down can be a less sophisticated cover. We put on this type of cover about an hour before sunset and take it off in the morning.
How to save frozen plants
"If we have not managed to protect the plants from frost and they have been damaged, we can tryto reduce losses by proper care of the frozen plants
First of all, remember that frozen plant fragments, exposed to the sun&39;s rays, quickly deteriorate. Therefore, it is very importantto shade frozen plantsso that their tissues can thaw calmly for a few hours. If there are not enough shadows, you can also start the garden sprinklers - defrosting under the influence of cold water will also reduce damage. The stream of water must be gentle so as not to break stiff stems and leaves.
We must remember about frozen plants throughout the growing seasonAs a result of freezing, they have been weakened and can be more easily attacked by diseases and more susceptible to pest attacks. They must therefore be adequately protected, especially against fungal diseases. Regular watering and balanced fertilization are also important, thanks to which plants should regain good condition in full season.To help plants damaged by frost, it is also worth using Superplon K growth stimulator, referred to as first aid for plants.The preparation accelerates tissue regeneration and restores the proper growth of frozen plants. "
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