Q.Best Way To Protect Blossoms On Fruit Trees When A Frost Is Coming
We have a fruit orchard and our peach and plum trees are starting to bloom. There are freezing temps in the 5 day forecast and we want to protect the blossoms so we get fruit this year. Last year, the blossoms all got killed by frost and we got hardly any fruit from any of the trees (apple, pear, peach, cherry, plum, etc.)
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
To safeguard fruit tree blossoms from unexpected frost, cover them with frost cloth or blankets secured to the ground before the frost event. Alternatively, use heat sources like incandescent bulbs or Christmas lights under the coverings for added warmth. Watering the soil beforehand helps retain heat, while windbreaks and anti-transpirant sprays offer additional protection. Pruning dead branches minimizes vulnerability. These measures help mitigate frost damage, ensuring a healthy fruit harvest.