Cold nights happen fast in fall. One surprise frost can bite leaves, turn flowers mushy, and set your garden back. Good news: with a few quick steps and simple supplies, you can get through that first cold snap with almost no damage.
What is the first frost?
The first frost is the first night temps dip to 32°F (0°C) or lower. Even a light frost can hurt tender plants like basil, peppers, tomatoes, zinnias, and coleus.
Quick signs a frost is coming
- Clear, calm night with no clouds
• Low 30s in the forecast (or a “frost advisory”)
• Dew on the grass the evening before
• Your yard is in a low spot that holds cold air
The day before: fast prep
- Water the soil in the afternoon. Moist soil holds heat.
• Harvest anything ready to pick (ripe tomatoes, peppers, herbs).
• Gather covers: frost cloth, old sheets, light blankets, or row cover.
• Cut a few stakes to keep fabric off the leaves.
Evening game plan (same day)
- Cover tender plants before sunset to trap daytime warmth.
• Use stakes or tomato cages to make a small “tent.”
• Pin or weigh down the edges so wind doesn’t lift the cover.
• Avoid plastic touching leaves—it can freeze to the plant.
Overnight & the morning after
- Leave covers on overnight.
• In the morning, remove covers once temps rise above 34–36°F so plants can breathe and get sun.
• If leaves look droopy, wait—many perk up by afternoon.
What to use as covers (and what not to)
- Best: frost cloth/row cover, old sheets, light blankets, burlap.
• For small plants: upside‑down buckets, nursery pots, or cloches (remove by mid‑morning).
• Avoid: plastic directly on leaves; heavy, wet blankets that can crush plants.
Extra protection tips
- Add mulch around the base to hold soil warmth.
• Move containers to a porch or garage for the night.
• String mini holiday lights (non‑LED) under covers for a couple degrees of warmth.
• For raised beds, drape row cover over hoops (simple PVC or wire).
Who needs top priority?
Basil, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, dahlias, zinnias, impatiens, coleus, sweet potato vine.
Simple 5‑step checklist
1) Check tonight’s low.
2) Water soil mid‑afternoon.
3) Harvest ripe produce.
4) Cover tender plants before sunset.
5) Uncover by late morning.
Troubleshooting after a frost
- A few blackened leaves? Snip them off—new growth may keep going.
• Entire plant limp and mushy? Remove it and compost if healthy (no disease).
• Light damage on tomatoes/peppers? Cook or freeze them soon.
You’ve got this. A quick cover at sunset and a sunny morning uncovering is all most tender plants need to sail through the first frost. Happy gardening from RainbowScapes Haven!
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