RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date:  March 29, 2021
Agent:  Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.

Spring is definitely in the area but let's not get too carried away yet.  It's still early and we can still have frost for a while.  The last predicted killing frost date for us is April 16.  This date is set by the United States Dept. of Agriculture and is taken from an average of frost dates in past years.  We can still have frost later than April 16 and sometimes it can be much later - remember a couple of years ago?  We had a major freeze on May 20th that caused lots of damage to local gardens.

I would advise homeowners to be conservative in the numbers of tender plants they set out, at least until the first of May.  Plants aren't going to do any growing until the soil warms up anyway and most plants that are put out in May will quickly catch up with and overtake those that have had to struggle with cold temperatures and chilly winds. If early vegetables are your goal, plant cool season varieties and you will still harvest some good early produce.

If early plants do get threatened by frost, covering can help minimize the damage.  It is best to cover with paper, cloth or cardboard-something that is breathable so that moisture can escape.  Covering with plastic can trap moisture and if temperatures drop low enough, condensation can freeze on the plants and cause damage.

Enjoy the spring but don't rush it.  It's hard to imagine frost when the days are in the mid-70's but don't be fooled.  Mother Nature isn't finished with us yet!

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.  If you would like more information on this program, you can call us at 439-4460.