Monday, April 25, 2011

Is it time to Plant?

One of the most common questions that we get this time of year is "when is the last chance of frost?"

Since weathermen seem to have a hard enough time predicting yesterday's weather let alone tomorrow's this is a tricky question to answer.

We've had years where we haven't had a frost after the 10th of April. We've also had years where there has been a frost towards the end of May. This is generally the exception to the rule. Generally the chances of a frost after the first of May is fairly low. The trees have also leafed out by this time, and this actually offers protection to the plants that are under them.

Some plants have more tolerance to frost than others. The cool season annuals such as pansies, primrose and rannunculus can handle a frost with no problems, and can actually tolerate temperatures in the low 20's. Annuals such as impatiens are less tolerant of the cold weather, and can not take any frost.

The national weather service does have a probability chart that covers the Plainfield area.


Temperature
Probability
will fall below
90% 50% 10%

36F 22-Apr 04-May 66-May
Frost 32F 06-Apr 20-Apr 04-May
Freeze 28F 23-Mar 05-Apr 17-Apr







What this means is that there is only a 10% chance that there will be a frost on May 04th. With chances dropping every day after that.

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