Things You'll Need:
- Light weight coverings like plastic, sheets, newspaper and blankets
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Step 1
Use the media to determine when frost usually arrives in your area. Newspapers and local television newscasters usually communicate frost advisories to local viewers. Also, consult a weather web site like www.weather.com.
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Step 2
Watch the weather for signs of frost. If the skies are calm and clear but the afternoon temperatures begin to drop, chances are there will be a frost. If the temperature drop is rapid, the sky is clear and there are winds it is likely to be a freeze.
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Step 3
Decide if you want to save any of your plants. Herbs like basil and flowers like impatiens are easily affected by the cold and may be a lot of trouble to save. Peppers and tomatoes will withstand a frost if covered. Cool season plants like kale and Brussels sprouts will actually have their flavor improved by frost.
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Step 4
When you feel there will be a frost, harvest as much as possible from the garden. Pick any vegetables and any delicate herbs. Pick a bouquet or two of flowers for indoors.
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Step 5
On the evening before the suspected frost, cover the plants you want to save with something light like an old blanket or a newspaper. Lightweight plastic tarps also work well. Cut out the bottoms of milk jugs to place them over individual plants.
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Step 6
On the morning after a frost, uncover the plants when the sun comes out. Don’t leave blankets or plastic over the plant all day as this could make them too hot and they won’t get enough air.
