Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · early spring
Wait to Remove Morning Frost Covers
As early spring brings warmer days, freezing nights can still occur, and removing your plant covers too early in the morning can shock your plants.
5 minuteseasyfrost protection
Check the outdoor temperature before heading into the garden in the morning.
Leave the frost blankets or covers completely in place if the air is still frosty.
Wait until the sun is up and the air temperature rises safely above freezing.
Remove the covers gently once the morning chill has fully lifted.
Why it works
Rapid temperature changes damage plant cells. If you uncover a cold plant and expose it directly to bright morning sun and cold wind, the sudden warmth and moisture loss causes severe tissue shock. Letting the air warm up gradually under the cover protects the delicate foliage.
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