Frost is not all that bad particularly when it happens at the right time of year. It can play havoc at the wrong time of year but first we will look at what good can be achieved with frost.
The Pros of Frost
- Frost can kill off aphids and winter bugs in the garden. For bugs that burrow into the soil you need a prolonged hard frost and then it gets a bit more iffy.
- The first frost is a signal of seasonal change. Nature is warned winter in nigh and can take appropriate action. It is unfair for plants to continue growing into winter if they need a seasons rest.
- Frost can help wake the dormancy of some seeds and the improve the health of roots on some bulbs and perennials.
- Frost can help winter vegetables like Brussel Sprouts to improve their sweetness and flavour.
- Frost will break down the clods of soil in your vegetable garden if it has been dug over and left in lumps.
- Frost decorates the edges of dead grass, seedheads and stems and can be a design feature in a cold garden.
The Cons of Frost
- Fruit tree buds and blossom can suffer frost damage and reduce your crop.
- The buds of Magnolia and Camellia can easily be damaged by frost particularly if the early morning sun melts the frost too quickly.
- Plants should not be planted into frosty soil as a chill will give them a severe set back or kill them.
- If shrubs or trees arrive at the wrong time ‘heel them in’ or cover with sacking until there is a gap in the frosty conditions.
- Frost can kill half hardy annuals – be patient! Plant later they will catch up.
- Young or sappy growth can be blackened by frost without the plant being killed. In spring trim off the damage.
- Frost discourage armchair gardeners but provides a time to tidy the shed or greenhouse.
Frost Prevention Measures
- Frost will slow or stop a compost heap from decomposing. Cover the top and insulate the sides to retain heat.
- Outdoor taps can freeze up so lag your taps and pipes. Drain pipes and areas that do not need water through winter.
- Keep and use a good supply of horticultural fleece to cover buds and early flowers.
- Frost gathers in low lying pockets. Cold air runs down hill. Do not plant tender plants in frost pockets or keep pots etc at the foot of slopes.
- Use the walls and eves of houses as gentle protection from severe frost.
- Read Frost Damage to Plants
- Stop ponds containing fish from freezing over by gentle agitation or a heater
