Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Frost damage to crops

When the temperature of water drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it begins to freeze.  This is important for gardeners because all plants have lots of water in them.  Gardeners call nights when the temperature drops below 32 degrees a "frost."  There is evidence that we had a frost earlier this week.

The tender leaves of basil turn brown when there is a frost.

Bean leaves shrivel and curl because the freezing temperatures killed some of their most vulnerable cells.

The first frost isn't all bad news.  The browning of the sweet potato leaves means it's about time to harvest!

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