Local gardners 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's different tips availbnle to protect your plants: Use row covers made of non-woven polyester. Household items such as bed sheets, drop cloths or medium-weight fabrics can also be used. 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.

Heartier plants like spinach and kale can survive until a hard 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.

News-Press NOW will update this story.