It’s that time of the Rocky Mountain growing season where damage to flowers, vegetables, gardens, trees and shrubs due to freezing temperatures could happen at any time. Last weekends frost was not unusual.
But it was unique in that the warm temperatures in March accelerated normal plant growth patterns. Which made the plants think it was late May, when a hard frost would be unusual.
The frost nipped many of our gardens and landscapes. But it is still early in the season and there is plenty of time and yes –
They will grow back!
- Most perennials will be OK with the freezing temperatures though it may burn the flowers and some tender leaves. Snow accumulation may result in stem breakage that may be cleaned up after the storm.
- Trim back damaged foliage, stems and flowers. If there are roots in the soil and a green stem above ground, that plant will grow back.
- Water sparingly until the surface of the soil dries out. Once the plant grows new leaves, the soil will begin to dry out more regularly.
- Once the soil begins to dry out regularly, fertilize the remaining plants.
- Trees and shrubs that have lost leaves will grow new leaves before the end of the season.
BE PATIENT. The plants “want” to grow and they will thrive again. You’ll be surprised at how quickly some partially damaged plants will show signs of recovery. It is early enough in the season for many plants to recover and come back bigger and stronger than ever!
For future frost warnings
Outdoor annual flowers in pots and hanging baskets should be moved into the garage for several days if you would like to keep them going. Moving the pots beside the house and covering with a sheet or frost blanket may offer some protection, but maybe not enough.
Warm season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers with be vulnerable to frost damage as well. Move pots inside. Cover outside plants in the ground with sheets, frost blankets or upside-down trash cans. The ground will offer a little insulation and they may be spared, or they may not, depending upon just how cold it gets. Cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale and root crops should be just fine.
Garden bed perennials could be covered with a sheet, frost blanket or upside down garbage can – especially if they are most important to you.
