It’s September. Kids return to school, the sun is lower in the sky, the nights grow nippy. There’s a crispness to the air, and if you look carefully, you’ll catch the tinges of color in the New England swamplands. Ordinary folk watch football. Gardeners go on frost watch.

If you’re new to gardening, you may not be aware that frost can wipe out most of your veggies. So here are some things you should know about frost and how to protect your garden against it, or at least forestall its effects.

The Farmer’s Almanac can tell you the average killing frost date for your area (here in Connecticut, it’s October 10), and that will give you a general ideal of what to expect. But it won’t help you much with anticipating light frosts. You also have to know your microclimate. A low-lying area may be covered in frost, while just uphill a bit everything is fine.

As we all know, weather can be quirky. As the days get shorter, I check the forecasts frequently, and I get a sense of things as I walk the dog after work. Is the sky cloudless and the wind minimal? Is there a chill in the air? Does it smell like frost? If so, there’s work to be done.

When frost threatens

Crops differ in their susceptibility to frost, and there are steps you can take to extend the season. These maneuvers are worthwhile, because typically a frost is followed by Indian summer and its warm, sunny weather before things really chill down.

If a light frost is predicted, I cover my frost-sensitive crops with assorted bedsheets, blankets, and tarps and hope for the best. The next morning, anticipating rising temperatures, I remove the coverings.

If you don’t cover your plants and frost hits them, you can sometimes save them by hosing off the frost early in the morning before the sun hits them.

What to harvest when

If you’re like me, you’ll want to keep your garden going as long as you can. So you won’t want to put your garden to bed until it becomes absolutely necessary.

The measures described above work for a while, but at a certain point, enough is enough. Even if the plants are alive, they are no longer actively producing. When a hard frost is imminent, I bow to the inevitable. After thanking the garden (my quiet, but essential annual ritual), I harvest all remaining tomatoes (ripe or not), cucumbers, hot peppers, sweet peppers, eggplant, beans, and basil, along with any frost-sensitive flowers I’d like to enjoy a bit longer in a vase—or in a salad.

I don’t usually harvest the winter squash and pumpkins yet, as these survive just fine in the field even if the vines die. Leeks, scallions, beets, and carrots are in no danger from frost either, and members of the cabbage family—brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale—actually improve in flavor with frost. These remain flavorful even into winter most years. Parsley also does well until Thanksgiving and sometimes beyond, as do sage and chives.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

Buy at Amazon

Fiskars 28" Power-Lever Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Fiskars Power-Level Garden Bypass Lopper glides through branches up to 1.75" thick for easy cuts; works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden and to encourage overall plant health and appearance. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper; Full lifetime warranty.

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon