Luckily, there are several resources to help you figure out when to do that.
Each of these is color-coded to theregions where the first frost can happenduring that range of dates.
Find Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Another helpful resource is theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Credit:Ally Brangham
It shows how cold your region can get in the winter.
you might search by ZIP code or your state to find your USDA Zone.
Likewise, a sheltered spot may not have frost until several weeks after other areas.
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Uncover them when temperatures rise the next day.
Container Plantings
Check the tags of any plants you aregrowing in containers.
If you want to keep them going,bring them indoors well before the first frost.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Herbs and Summer Vegetables
Many herbs and summer vegetables won’t tolerate much frost.
It’s much more pleasant to do the cutting before a freeze turns these plants black and slimy.
It’s estimated that a frost may occur earlier than the given date 30% of the time.
A light freeze is defined as 29F to 32F, which will kill tender plants.
A moderate freeze is 25F to 28F, which is more destructive.
A severe freeze is 24F and below, which will kill most plants in the garden.
Keep an eye on the forecast.
If a light frost is predicted, you still have time to protect plants.
Just drape a row cover over them to help insulate them from the cold.
In a pinch, even a bed sheet draped over the plants will help.
