When Frost Is Near, Keep Plants In The Clear

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
September 17, 2012 9:10 PM


A large part of South Dakota could see their first frost Monday night.

In some East River towns temperatures could reach close, if not below, freezing, meaning a frost advisory is in place.

If you have plants, you could do a few things to prevent damage, such as cover them up or bring them inside.

For some new planters, such as Liz Galloway from Sioux Falls, she said having different options is useful information.

"We're going to get out those blankets," said Galloway.

Galloway said her plants have become a bonding experience for her and her family of four, especially because her two-year-old daughter has been lent her a hand.

"She helped me plant our garden this year and it's been so fun to see her, see a seed go into the ground and then see a tomato or a plant bloom," said Galloway.

To protect your plants from frost, people could use a light sheet, light blanket or fabric such as burlap, by putting the cloth over the plant to keep off frost and keep warmth in.

Buckets or ice cream pails could be used for protection as well, or if they can be moved, bring them inside for shelter.

Vegetables should also be covered.

"When in doubt the best thing you can do is a throw a blanket over it," said Kalfs.

Nursery Manager at the Cliff Avenue Greenhouse, Laura Kalfs, said taking pre-cautions is crucial to extending the life span of plants.

"With these early season frosts, I mean that's when it's really nice to make sure you cover things, so when we still have really nice fall days, you still have those flowers and plants to enjoy outside," said Kalfs.

For beginner landscaper Galloway, she said the extra duties to protect her plants from frost, come with the job.

"We're just excited about having a backyard and plants to grow and I love learning about how to take care of them," said Galloway.

And when frost is near, she said she’d do what she can, to keep her plants in the clear.

A positive note about frost is that it’s strong enough to destroy pollen-producing flowers and plants, which is where a lot of people's allergies come from, so people in South Dakota might experience some allergy relief soon.

When going into a freezing night, make sure your plants are also well watered because lack of water can cause more stress and damage to the plant,