CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The chilly mornings are about to get colder and western Massachusetts could see our first frost of the season Tuesday night, but experts say you don’t have to put away the gardening gloves yet.
Overnight lows are expected to approach the freezing range and frost can damage most types of tender, annual flowers along with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers.
Just like you need a coat for the chill, the more tender plants need an extra layer for the frost. One grower said you can put a sheet over those that are easily affected, but not every plant is at risk.
“The mums and pansies and figs for fall here really can handle a light frost,” said Chris Graziano with Graziano Gardens. “In the 20s, it’s a problem, but, you know, the 30s, not a problem.”
While it may be time to take frost sensitive plants inside, Graziano says it’s a perfect time to get to work on others.
“Now’s a great time to put perennials in and shrubs in, trees because all the action is in the roots,” he said. “There’s not a lot of top growth. All the actions in the roots.”
Graziano recommends a few inches of mulch for new plants, otherwise, insulate the sensitive plants to trap as much heat as possible.
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