Gardeners beware: Frost advisory issued for part of central PA, including Centre County
Centre County gardeners should take precautions Sunday night to protect sensitive plants from possible frost formation.
The National Weather Service issued a frost advisory for portions of central Pennsylvania, including Centre County. The advisory is in effect from 2-8 a.m. Monday, when temperatures could dip into the 30s.
“Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation,” the advisory states. “Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.”
While the frost advisory makes it clear that fall is fast approaching, AccuWeather’s forecast for State College shows sunny and pleasant weather for the rest of the week, with high temperatures in the 70s.
How to protect your plants
Annual plants that fruit and flower in warm temperatures are most sensitive to cold weather, according to Better Homes and Gardens. The publication offers several tips and options for how to keep plants protected from a frost:
- Move container plants indoors if possible. The location doesn’t need to be heated — a shed or garage will offer enough protection.
- Drape old bedspreads, blankets and towels loosely over plants. Remove the coverings by mid-day so the plants don’t overheat.
- Make a garden cloche, which is a rounded cover that acts as a mini-greenhouse around a single tender plant. Cloches can be easily made from milk jugs.
- Add a thick layer of mulch to help insulate sensitive plants.
