Farmers, backyard gardeners brace for freeze

A very cold airmass from western Canada is moving into California tonight, reported the National Weather Service. With a hard freeze forecast, farmers and backyard gardeners are advised to prepare for temperatures that could damage their plants, reported the Sacramento Bee.

Homeowners should check for plants that are likely to be exposed to cold temperatures, said Judy McClure, UC Cooperative Extension master gardener coordinator.

“The lower spots in the garden tend to get colder than higher spots,” she said. “The bottom of the slope will be colder.”

McClure advises having a good supply of covers. She recommends against throwing a plastic tarp over trees, unless there is a frame to keep the plastic from direct contact with the tree. Contact with the plastic could cause damage by burning the foliage, she explained.

If the soil is dry, McClure said, it is best to water trees and succulents before covering them with blankets or frost cloths. When covering citrus trees, make sure the cover reaches the ground, she said.

The Fresno Bee reported that private meteorologist Steve Johnson has been tracking the approaching weather system since Nov. 25.

"The trajectory keeps it over land and it dries out," Johnson said. "This kind of thing doesn't happen very often. The pattern is very similar to what we saw in December 1998 and 1990."

For more on freeze protection from UC Cooperative Extension, review the following links:

• Citrus freeze protection (home)
• Methods of frost protection (orchards)
• Protecting avocados from frost

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