Frost Alert in Alberta: What You Should Harvest Now
As we bid farewell to summer and embrace the arrival of fall, a chill is settling in across Alberta. Recent frost advisories from Environment Canada signal that temperatures are dropping to the freezing mark, particularly in areas surrounding Edmonton and Calgary. For many gardeners, this news comes as a call to action, as the risk of frost can be detrimental to their hard-earned crops.
When frost is on the horizon, the urgency to harvest certain plants becomes clear. For instance, tomatoes and peppers are particularly vulnerable. If you have ripe ones, it’s time to gather them up. However, if some are still green and temperatures hover around zero, you might consider placing your plants on the sunny side of your home and covering them with a blanket. But be cautious—if the forecast predicts temperatures plunging to -2°C or lower, it’s wiser to pick any unripened tomatoes and let them ripen indoors.
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Corn is another crop that doesn’t fare well with frost. Mature corn needs to be harvested immediately, while immature cobs might still have a chance to grow if left on the stalk for a short while longer. That said, any freeze will cut their shelf life significantly.
Don’t forget about beans and peas! These tender plants are also frost-sensitive, so if the temperatures drop, it’s best to harvest them regardless of ripeness. On the other hand, mature gourds should be picked right away, while cucumbers should be consumed quickly. For pumpkins and squash, curing them in a cool, dark space will prolong their life, but make sure immature varieties remain on the vine until their skins harden.
However, not all plants are as delicate. Some, like apples, can withstand the chill. In fact, a light frost might even enhance their sweetness. Root vegetables—such as carrots, beets, and potatoes—can remain in the ground until the soil begins to freeze, as they can handle a light frost without suffering damage. Lettuce and salad greens, on the other hand, should be harvested before freezing conditions set in, though if you’re feeling optimistic, you can trim away usable greens and see if the plants can continue to thrive in milder weather.
Hearty greens like kale, cabbage, and chard tend to thrive after a light frost, often becoming even more flavorful. But keep an eye on forecasts; if temperatures dip significantly, it’s prudent to harvest them too.
As the frost creeps in, stay vigilant and be proactive in your garden. Harvest what you can, and make the most of the season before winter arrives.
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