After 126 frost free days, we got a killer Friday morning. We expected a light frost, the weather predicted 2C (35F). I picked my ripe tomatoes, covered the peppers and figured the frost would burn some of the plants, but the unripe fruits would likely go unscathed. We woke up to a killer frost, -4 or -5C (25F). Everything was white and crisp, frozen squash leaves folded like cardboard. Although the leaves blackened as the sun rose in a clear blue sky, the fruits were mostly undamaged. Tomatoes continue to ripen on dead vines, until the next frost anyway.
Here's a tour of the damage, it is a bit of a morbid celebration. Harvest is celebrating the fruits of summer, and harvest is also the dying time.
Cosmos just starting to bloom
Squash patch
Green survivors
Just the tips of the peppers burnt under a plastic hoop house
I was surprised that the cauliflower leaves got frost burn, not the broccoli, cabbage or brussel sprouts though.
Even my lemon balm got a little burned, now that's cold!
Two days after the frost, the tomatoes keep ripening.
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3 comments:
OH, the dreaded frost. It's coming here soon, I'm hoping to get a bunch more tomatoes before this happens. Although I must say, frost brings a sense of excitement around here as Mr Chiots and I are big fans of winter. I think it's partly to do with the slowing down that happens in winter and the hot breakfast cereal. Can't wait and yet I dread it all the same.
Ah, that first killer frost. It sometimes is a bit of a relief isn't it? I love the briskness of fall...
Our first frost was a bit of a teaser. Warm weather has coaxed a few more tomatoes and even a zucchini flower out of the garden. But the leaves are coming into their prime colors this week. That is certainly getting me in the fall mood. I nearly drove my bike into the ditch on my way here, I was watching the trees with so much wonder!
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