Freezing weather: How to protect what you’ve planted outside

DENVER (KDVR) — Cold and potentially freezing temperatures are headed to parts of the Front Range , and while this is not unexpected, it might be a cause for concern for those who took the warmer conditions as a sign to start work on their gardens early.

The National Weather Service issued a frost advisory for much of the northern Front Range including the Denver metro area and Boulder.

According to the NWS, temperatures as low as 31 degrees could result in frost formation on plants.

A freeze warning is also in effect for southern areas of the Denver metro area, including Castle Rock and the Palmer Divide, with temperatures as low as 28 degrees expected.

If you didn’t follow the local Mother’s Day gardening start date that everyone is taught or you just couldn’t wait to plant your peonies, FOX31 has information on what the coming cooldown entails and what you can do to mitigate any damage.

The upcoming freeze

The good news is that the freeze is not nearly as dangerous for your plants as it first seems.

Colder temps aren’t the best for some of your budding flowers and vegetables, but they won’t kill them outright.

However, what is dangerous, is when the temperatures of the plants drop low enough for ice crystals to form inside cells.

Ice crystals are sharp and can puncture cell membranes, which injures the plant and potentially kills it.

Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said there will be very low humidity in the air when the temperatures dip down, which means the risk for frost is low because the mix of humidity and freezing temps is crucial.

Still, Michels said it is a good idea to take a few steps to ensure your plants stay safe.

How to protect plants

FOX31’s Vicente Arenas spoke with gardeners about precautions for Tuesday night’s cold temperatures, including Denise Wanzo, who helps run the Five Loaves Community Garden in the Montbello neighborhood. Wanzo said don’t take chances with certain kinds of warm-weather plants.

“If you have planted them, you need to cover them, because they do not like this cold,” Wanzo told Arenas.

The cover should be dry, as a wet cover can lead to even colder temperatures for plants, according to the Colorado Master Gardener Program.

According to the program, it is also important to make sure your plants have enough water, as this can help them better survive the cold and moderate soil temperatures.

Richard Ortega of Nick’s Garden Center recommended that plant parents keep a watch while the temperatures are forecasted to be low.

“You’ve got to watch out for the low temperatures the next couple of nights,” Ortega said. “Certain things, especially tender plants, such as peppers and tomatoes — if you’re a little early to plant, you need to protect them.”

Ortega recommends using buckets and cloth to protect your vulnerable plants.

Additionally, if you have any potted plants, it is likely a good idea to bring them inside so they can stay warm and avoid any potential problems.

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