Spring weather at our farm Stargazer Perennials is always welcome, but definitely unpredictable in in the mountainous region of Eastern Oregon where we live. Spring gardening in a northern climate presents a number of weather related challenges with the most damaging being that of late frost. Every year it seems just as the vegetables and perennials begin to sprout new leaves our farm gets one or two nights of deep low temperatures that can decimate an early crop. To help prevent frost damage we use this ancient gardening technique:

When frost is expected thoroughly spray plants late in the evening with cold water making sure that you soak the soil around the base of the plants. This technique, know as "icing off" plants by spraying them with water will ensure that the water will freeze on the outside of the leaves rather than the moisture inside, which causes cells to rupture. In addition, the evaporation of the water will create heat, thus helping to prevent frost damage.

Caution: The next day, do not hose down plants in the morning after a frost. Plants should be allowed to thaw naturally and gradually to avoid rupturing plant cells in the leaf tissue. If covering a plant with blankets, sheets or plastic, make sure the fabric does not come in direct contact with plant foliage. Rather, create a tent-like structure that covers the plant without resting on the foliage.