MASSACHUSETTS — The gardening season is winding down in much of the U.S. with the arrival of meteorological fall today, but you'll want to keep early to mid-October in mind in Massachusetts.
That’s when the average date of the first frost in much of Massachusetts occurs, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a time-tested publication offering a blend of long-range weather predictions mixed with humor and advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation and other topics.
With its by-ZIP-code search tool, Old Farmer’s Almanac makes it easy for gardeners to figure out when they’re most likely to start losing plants to frost.
In the Worcester area, the first frost usually happens on Oct. 14. But in the Boston area, the first frost can appear as early as Oct. 4, according to the almanac.
In a light freeze of 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, tender plants can die. A moderate freeze, which occurs when temperatures dip to 25 to 28 degrees, causes more damage. Most garden plants can’t survive a severe freeze, which occurs at 24 degrees and colder, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
You may be able to squeeze more life from plants by protecting them when overnight temperatures dip into the frost-danger zone. Some early fall favorites, such as pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon and others, can be damaged at 33 degrees, according to the publication.
The best way to protect plants from frost is to cover them with a blanket, bedsheet or some type of row cover. Drape them loosely over the plants, and anchor with them bricks or rocks.
If you invested in hibiscus and other tropical plants, Boston ferns, geraniums and others for your deck, these ornamentals and herbs can overwinter inside.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac spells out what to do — it depends on the variety of plant — but in general, give them as much light and humidity as possible, keep them away from heat ducts and expose them to artificial light if necessary.
Take care of this before the first frost. Regardless of the plant, you’ll want to check for aphids and other insects. Spraying a 1 percent solution of Dawn dishwashing detergent (original) can do the trick. For best results, mix 2½ tablespoons of detergent in 1 gallon of water.
Bulbs, tubers and corms, such as cannas, dahlias and some lilies, can overwinter in the basement or garage. Just cut back the foliage, gently dig up the bulb and store the dried roots in a cool, dark spot, such as a basement.
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September 22, 2022 at 10:22PM
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When Does First MA Frost Usually Occur? How To Protect Plants - Patch
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