A potential for a frost event this weekend should have strawberry growers in North Carolina on high alert. North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension says that producers will need to protect their crop if the weather forecast predicts frost.
The greatest potential for frost will be Sunday and Monday mornings, though some regions in the western part of the state could experience frost on Saturday.
Clear nights with minimum temperatures in the 30s can damage blossoms. Farmers can protect their crop with row covers or overhead sprinklers.
“In most regions there should be enough time between rainfalls and the need to use row covers to minimize the threat of wet row covers damaging the plants. If overhead (irrigation) is used, it is also important to start early, especially with low predicted dew points,” says North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist Mark Hoffmann.
