Whew, that was a close one….Most gardeners escaped the first wave of frost that swept across the state.

The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) reported a scattering of light frost in the west over the past five nights. Damage in most gardens was limited to unprotected, tender crops.

Hard, killing frosts were reported in only 7 of 60 stations: Beach, Bowman, Crosby, Hettinger, Hofflund, Langdon and Ross.

If 2014 is a “normal” year, most gardeners have at least 10 days until they face a hard frost. The long-term forecast calls for above normal temperatures, too.

The first frost is usually a light one (29–32°F). In this case, you can protect your sensitive plants with a blanket or tarp. This will provide a few degrees of protection.

Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Published in NDSU Yard & Garden Report, September 15, 2014. Source of map is the North Dakota State Climate Office.