With a forecast Monday night of a low of 37 degrees in the Quincy area, many of the other communities in the Tri-States are getting a little worried about frost.
We may have thought we were in the clear after mid-April in our region of the midwest, however, anytime temperatures near 32 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, its smart to take precautions.
Visible frost can often be found on the ground when temperatures are slightly above 32 degrees. Open areas of grass could experience it first, while areas beneath trees are slightly more protected, the trees acting to prevent the ground's heat from escaping.
Katrina Albert is a Certified Nurseryman with Bergman Nurseries in Quincy.
She says cold air that's predicted tonight is really rare this time of year.
The best thing to do is bring your potted plants inside.
If your annuals are already planted, cover them up with a blanket or sheet.
It's important not to use plastic because that can draw the cold air in.
Temperatures this low can also damage trees and bushes.
Katrina Albert says, "When they've been damaged like that, they are real susceptible to other diseases or insects coming into them. You want to do your best to keep them healthy."
Albert says if your tree or bush blossoms are affected, trim them back, and they should be able to regrow.
A real hard frost may hurt the trees so badly, it may take a couple of years to fully come back.
Will you be covering your plants Monday night? Post your comments below or join the conversation on our Facebook page here.
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