Rocket set his cucumber seedlings outside last night. This morning, the leaves are dark and droopy.
"My plants wilted!" he cries. "But yesterday was sunny."
Raven points at the grass. It sparkles with white crystals. "What do you notice on the ground?"
Nova hovers low. "The night was clear and calm," she says. "What forms on cold, still nights?"
Frost forms when water in the air turns to ice on cold surfaces.
It usually happens at night.
Clear skies and calm winds make frost more likely.
Frost is likely when temperatures drop to 40 degrees F and below.
A light frost is about 29 to 32 degrees F.
| Likely damaged by a light frost | Can handle a light frost |
|---|---|
| beans | peas |
| corn | carrots |
| cucumbers | |
| melons |
Gardeners cover tender plants on frosty nights.
A bucket, a cardboard box or a blanket can work.
Covers need air holes, or plants can get too hot when the Sun comes out.
A layer of leaves or straw on the soil also helps.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Frost usually forms at night. | ? |
| Cucumbers can easily handle frost. | ? |
| A bucket over a plant can help on a frosty night. | ? |
| Windy, cloudy nights are best for frost. | ? |
Your bean plant is a tender plant too. Keep it indoors on cold nights.
Measure it today. Add the number and the weather to your log.
Frost fighters! Tomorrow we sort crops into cool-season and warm-season plants.