What temp would be classed as a frost when reading weather report? 29 April 2010 at 9:57AM edited 29 April 2010 at 10:00AM in Greenfingered MoneySaving 4 replies 897 views

Pixiechic

Hello,

I hope this isn't a silly question, I have looked but have found varied answers. When I read the weather report and it says what temp it will be overnight. What temp would be classed as a frost or when I should be putting my fleece on over my plants? I would like to try and be a little more aware as my plants that are out are doing well would still be vunerable to a frost. Could anyone advise me? Many thanks for any replies .

rhiwfield

There are different kinds of frost and this BBC LINK explains them.

In rural areas temperatures are usually lower than towns and cities, so often the forecasts can overstate temperatures.

I start getting twitchy when I see temps of say 6C forecast. Last expected frost dates vary across the country, around here its the end of April but that doesnt mean we wont get a frost in late May!

Its good practice to be vigilant and not to sow or transplant too early unless you are happy to protect the plants. In some cases thats very difficult eg runner beans on bean poles are a nightmare to protect so mine wont go in for another week or two

EDIT: Here's another couple of links

Last frost date map LINK

First and last frost dates LINK

Pixiechic

Thank you so much! I can keep a keen eye now! I am trying to be proactive about it and this will help massively! I really appreciate the advice, thanks again

Lotus-eater

Get a max min thermometer and see what the temps do every night, compare that with the weather forecast on the same web site every time. You will start to get an idea of your local weather.
Anything 7c or below here means a possibility of a very cold night, yet it can also mean a warm night of 7c, I never really know.
But if I see clear skies, warning bells ring. It also pays to keep an eye on what the cloud cover is expected to do in the night. Once it goes, it can cool very rapidly.

It is a skill, but it's not worth the risk if you are unsure, fleece first, ask questions second.

Pixiechic

Thank you, I have been going outside before bed to check the temp but not very accurately! I shall get a thermometre. I noticed that this Sunday night could well be a frost and I realised that I had no idea of how to properly check1 Thanks for your replies as they will no doubt keep all of my lovely and time consuming crops alive! I would be devastated if just because of my ignorance they all died over night:eek:.
Thanks again