Protect Plants From Potential Frost, Agriculture Department Advises

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9/30/2011?
Charleston, W.Va. – The weekend weather forecast is calling for a chance of frost and snow in some areas of the state, and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is reminding gardeners to protect their plants from freeze damage.

“Our hot summer is quickly turning to a cool fall, and the Department is reminding gardeners they may need to provide protection for any plants they are still cultivating,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

Flowers and fruits are especially susceptible to the effects of a rapid drop in temperature. The best way to protect sensitive plants is to cover them directly with cloth, such as a bed sheet or burlap, if they will support the weight of the cover. Newspaper is also a good cover for smaller plants.

Plastic can be used – but only if it is suspended above the plants. If the plastic touches the plants, it will conduct heat away from the plants and cause them to freeze.

For more information, call WVDA’s Plant Industries Division at 304-558-2212.

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Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer?
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell) ?
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us?
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