what to do to protect yourself from the last spring frosts?

After weeks of rain and cold, the warm weather sets in, the vegetation frees itself and we almost imagine that summer has begun.

But we’re not there yet. Summer will not begin until June 20 and we are coming out of April, a month where it is wise not to bare a thread. The saying also applies to plants: in May, we can do whatever we like… if the weather permits.

However, the skies can still be harsh during the next two weeks, with sudden and late drops in temperature, dangerous for young plants, flowers or even buds whose growth has already started with the arrival of spring.

Horticulturists and winegrowers know this well: the last spring frosts can still occur during the period from May 11 to 13, that of the famous “ice saints”, Saint-Mamert and Saint-Servais, and even after.

Shelter the plants

“This phenomenon is not an exact science”notes Valhor, the French Interprofession of horticulture, floristry and landscaping, which provides advice on how to effectively protect its plants.

The first, common sense, is to monitor the weather forecasts daily in order to anticipate periods of frost.

The objective: as soon as a cold night is forecast, put the potted plants back in your home or in a sheltered place and, for plants in the ground, cover sensitive plants (conventional protective tarpaulins, winter sails or again the protective bells…) to protect them from negative temperatures.

Protect the floors

Plants and soil are one. This is why you should also remember to lightly water the plants in the evening before the forecast cold nights. Indeed, water stores heat better than dry soil and when it freezes, this same water will release heat.

This water and its warming potential will be all the more effective if the soil is protected by mulch (straw, dead leaves, lawn clippings, etc.) which will insulate the roots and retain heat in the soil.