Local gardeners advised to be alert for frost

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – This week, temperatures have finally cooled off and are feeling more fall-like — not only during the day but overnight as well.

On Tuesday and Wednesday night, temperatures are expected to drop into the mid to upper 30s, which could mean frost for Wednesday and Thursday mornings, allowing for the first frost of the season to be possible across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

Frost forms when solid surfaces cool below the dew point. Typically, air temperatures between 33 and 36 degrees, along with light winds, are needed for frost to develop. Even a light frost can cause minor damage to plants.

Many plants are sensitive to frost, including tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, magnolias and azaleas.

For first-time gardeners, there are several ways to protect plants.

Todd Hoggins, a field specialist with MU Extension said, "It doesn't have to be much, it could be, you get blankets. There's some frost covers out there available, but the idea is to to cover them up and don't let that air there."

When covering plants, drape the material loosely to allow air circulation. Use rocks, bricks or stakes to secure the covering and keep it off the foliage.

Some frost-tolerant plants, like cabbage, broccoli and radishes, can handle a light frost but may not survive a freeze.

A freeze occurs when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or lower, which can cause more significant damage to unprotected plants, especially if the cold lasts for several hours.

Frost doesn’t just affect gardens, it can also dull fall foliage, leading to muted colors and browning leaves. A hard freeze, on the other hand, can cause severe cell damage and kill plants, stunting fall foliage all around.

With peak colors right around this time of year, a frost could stunt some of that vibrant fall scenery.