OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A stretch of record-breaking warmth is bringing Oklahomans out to garden centers earlier than usual, but experts warn fluctuating temperatures could still pose a risk to newly planted gardens.
“Things are definitely hopping off faster than they normally do,” said Darrell Pothorst with TLC Garden Centers in Edmond.
Friday’s record heat brought a surge of customers to his store.
“Our customers are definitely coming out earlier because we’ve been so warm,” Pothorst said.
Oklahoma City hit 94 degrees Friday, breaking a 119-year-old record.
Just five days earlier, temperatures dropped below freezing, with a morning low of 22 degrees Monday.
“It’s definitely a little whiplash for plants,” Pothorst said.
That temperature swing is why Pothorst is urging caution before putting certain plants in the ground.
“The newly planted things, the sensitive annuals like the warm season, annuals like lantana and geraniums, things like that,” Pothorst said. “I know we’re all anxious to get these put outside, but these will burn in a frost. And so this is something you want to cover up or maybe hold off a few more days.”
When it comes to vegetable gardens, Pothorst says crops that grow underground—like onions, potatoes and carrots—are safe to plant now.
But for above-ground plants like peppers and tomatoes, he recommends a different approach.
“That’s one of the things I probably put in a pot and just keep on the porch where it’s sunny and then maybe move them in if we get a cold snap,” Pothorst said.
For those who have already planted, Pothorst says there is no need to panic.
“There are some old frost cloths and frost blankets which are specifically made to cover plants for freezing type weather,” Pothorst said. “We’ve got those for sale. But if this comes to worst, you can use a sheet or a pillowcase, something lightweight that can still breathe a little bit.”
Pothorst says to keep a close eye on the forecast this time of year, and if another freeze is expected, he recommends watering plants beforehand.
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