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Wacky Weather Impacts Plant Growth

Master Gardeners with the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing say it’s been a challenging spring for plants.

Freezing. Warm. Drought. Cold. Hot. Flooding. Freezing.

Master Gardeners with the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing say it's been a challenging spring for plants.

“This time last year it was extremely hot out here," said Mary Smith with the River Valley Master Gardeners. "This year, we do have cold springs, and it’s been a cold spring.”

Master Gardener Susan Randolph says even experienced gardeners were tricked by the weather. Some of her heirloom tomatoes were damaged by the cold.

"We thought the cold weather was gone, we’re past the last frost date, and we were safe," said Randolph. "Brought them out a little bit too soon, had to bring them back in.”

The Master Gardeners say there are some simple things people can do to protect their plants from the elements. Randolph says watering plants before a frost can keep the plants from freezing.

“If you see that it’s going to turn off really cold and freeze, cover them," said Randolph. She advises against using plastic to cover the plants, but instead recommends fabric like old sheets or curtains.

Randolph says though it can be a challenge, gardening is a great hobby.

“With gardening, it’s just plants, you know? It’s fun, you can enjoy them, put them out. If you have to replant, big deal, you can still enjoy doing that also.”

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