A frost advisory will be in effect for portions of the state of Iowa early Wednesday morning as temperatures will fall into the mid to low 30s. This will lead to the development of frost, which could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. The frost advisory will be in effect from Midnight Tuesday through 8AM Wednesday for these areas.
Precautions:
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If it looks like temperatures are going to drop, get ready to protect tender plants.
- Make use of season extenders like row covers, cold frames, or cloches to protect tender plants, such as seedlings or warm-weather veggies. Row covers or garden fleece can be used to help create a warmer environment beneath them. You’ll need to use posts, bamboo, or flexible PVC piping to create space for the plants to grow, then drape landscape fabric or plastic over the frame; weigh down the edges with rocks or bricks or pegs so the covers do not blow away. To protect young plants from frost, use 2-liter soda bottles cut in half as cloches.
- It’s best to have all covers in place well before sunset. Drape loosely to allow for air circulation. Before you cover the plants in late afternoon or early evening, water your plants lightly.
- Remove any covers by mid-morning so that plants can get full exposure to the warming sunlight.
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