When/how to protect from frost and freeze?

[Avonnow]

It has been unseasonably warm In Florida, I have beans,peppers and lettuce, broccoli, peas all growing well. I know the cold weather crops are alright, but how cold do you think the beans,peppers and tomato plants ( fall crops turning red now) will take it without dying? We are predicted to get real cold weather this week, I do not think it will freeze but should I cover them or bring the potted ones in? Will a freeze be the only way they will die? just curious ! thanks

[jal_ut]

A freeze is the only problem. What does the historical record show, any frost in January?

[Avonnow]

On rare occasions we have had frost, but I live on a barrier island, a river to the east and west and it usually doesn't freeze, something about the rivers and their ability to keep our area warmer then the mainland. I just didn't know if lower then normal temps would kill certain plants. I usually pull potted items under the enclosure, but I am most worried about all the beans growing so well right now in the outside garden. Some herbs and pepper plants. Will it stunt their growth or anything?

[lily51]

As a doctor here said, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
Good luck with your crop.

[jal_ut]

"Will it stunt their growth or anything?"

The beans will do fine. Cool temperatures will slow the growth a bit for sure, but I think the peppers will do OK too.

[Avonnow]

I will forgo stringing my lights, I may drape a sheet or something. I will just watch the temps as they go down. I hate to drag all that out. Thanks again

[Francis Barnswallow]

As long as it doesn't freeze we will be alright. But I have the old sheets and spotlights on standby for my garden just in case. An expected low of 34 is just too close to mess with.

[Francis Barnswallow]

aarrgghhh.......supposed to hit 27 where I'm at.

[rainbowgardener]

Jeez - You are colder in Orlando, FLA than we are here in Southern Ohio!

[gixxerific]

Jeez - You are colder in Orlando, FLA than we are here in Southern Ohio!

Yeah, it's about time.

27 right now in middle america.

[applestar]

@Avon you may already have the answer, but I've changed the thread title because I kept thinking "what was the stupid question again?"

[applestar]

With the weird warm weather we've been having, the Chinese apricot has become confused and the flower buds were swelling yesterday, so I cut off some of the branches and brought them inside. The flowers are opening up now. I'm afraid the rest of them outside are going to get blasted by the forecasted 16° low freeze.

[rainbowgardener]

Yeah, it has been strange... I have daylilies and daffodils pushing up sprouts here at the beginning of the year. It's at least 6 weeks too soon. They should be all right, pretty cold hardy and it's just the tips, but it is a sign of the weird weather.