Winter Is Coming: Check the Expected Date of the First Frost in Your Region

Date of the First Frost: Fall is almost here, and that means colder days and plants getting ready for winter. Some areas got so cold before Labor Day that people had to wear their winter jackets early, thanks to a chilly spell coming from Canada. Even though weather can be unpredictable, scientists at NOAA have studied years of data to help forecast when the first frost will arrive.

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When to Expect Frost?

The first frost happens when the day’s temperature drops to 32ºF. It usually comes earlier in higher latitudes, sometimes as early as August 31, and later in lower latitudes, going into November or December. NOAA explains that “elevation, latitude, topography, and development (for example, urban versus rural) can all play a role in affecting the date of the first freeze.”

Cities and coastal regions usually get frost later than the countryside or inland areas. You can also check the expected frost date for your area using the Farmer’s Almanac calendar.The Almanac warns that these dates “represent a 30% chance of frost occurring,” so it’s always good to stay prepared.

Protect Your Plants

Some plants do not handle frost well. Basil, peppers, and tomatoes can get damaged when the first freeze comes. NOAA says that “hardier green vegetables, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale can be safely planted in some areas as they are cold tolerant.”

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Gardeners can cover sensitive plants with row covers or cloches to protect them from frost and get a bit more time for harvesting. plant spring bulbs before the ground gets too hard. For perennial plants avoid adding extra fertilizer late in the season because it can stop them from going dormant, which they need to survive the winter, says The Farmer’s Almanac.