Thoughts on Arkansas basketball’s season-opening victory over Southern
Jackson Fuller provides some instant reactions after Arkansas blitzed Southern in a 109-77 victory to open the season.
The River Valley’s first freeze is expected to arrive later than the typical Nov. 5 date.Frost can form when temperatures are in the mid-30s, even before an official freeze.Experts advise moving houseplants indoors and covering cool-season vegetables to prevent damage.A lack of moisture is a significant concern, and gardeners should continue watering plants weekly.
With the first freeze running a little later than usual this year, gardeners across the River Valley still have a small window to prepare their plants — but experts say that window is narrowing quickly.
The River Valley’s average first freeze typically arrives around Nov. 5, according to the National Weather Service. However, this year’s pattern points to a slight delay.
“We’ll be a few days late this year,” said Skot Covert, chief meteorologist at KFSM-TV. “Right now we’re looking at Monday the 10th to potentially see the first freeze of the year, so a bit later than the average.”
But even before temperatures officially dip to 32 degrees, frost can still form — especially in low-lying areas, sheltered yards, and gardens.
“When overnight lows dip into the mid-30s, that’s the time to start watching for frost,” Covert said. “Frost can form even when the thermometer reads above freezing, because surfaces like plants cool faster than the surrounding air.”
Covert said three factors influence which parts of the River Valley freeze first:
Cold air pools in valleys and lower elevationsClear nights allow heat to escape quicklyCalm or light wind prevents warm and cold air from mixing
“Clouds act like a blanket,” he said. “On clear, calm nights — especially after a dry, sunny day — that’s when frost is most likely.”
Gardeners: Prep now, not later
For gardeners, the shift into frost season isn’t a date on the calendar — it’s a change in routine.
“Now is the time,” said Randy Forst, extension educator and consumer horticulture coordinator with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “All indoor tropical plants and houseplants should be moved into an area that does not go below 35 degrees.”
For outdoor plants and vegetable gardens, fall does not mean giving up — but it does mean taking some precautions.
Cool-season vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, collards, and leafy greens can tolerate temperatures below freezing. Still, Forst recommends covering them to prevent leaf-tip burn.
“You can cover with a lightweight frost-free cover sold for plant protection,” Forst said. “Just remember to remove it when temperatures climb to 37 degrees or higher.”
The same applies to cool-season annual color like pansies, violas, chard, and ornamental kale.
The No. 1 mistake gardeners make
According to Forst, the biggest issue this time of year isn’t cold… it’s drought.
“We are still not getting the moisture needed to keep outdoor plants hydrated,” he said. “We need to remember to water if Mother Nature isn’t supplying moisture at least once a week.”
Outdoor perennials also benefit from a bit of end-of-season care.
“After frost, clip back the dead foliage and dispose of it,” Forst said. “Then cover the perennial crown with a biodegradable mulch. And remember to fertilize cool-season blooming annuals once a month during the fall and winter with a water-soluble fertilizer.”
When to Take ActionMove houseplants indoors when temps fall below 40°FCover cool-season veggies on clear, calm nights in the mid-30sWater outdoor plants weekly if rainfall is lowMulch perennials after frost kills the top growth
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