A frost happens when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees centigrade. It is destructive to plants in two ways, water is rendered unavailable to plant roots and the cells of sensitive plants are ruptured. These dangers are linked with the severity and duration of your frost as well as the constitution of the plant, in Britain we leave our Roses vulnerable over winter, but in some areas of Scadinavia and N. America straw or sacking protection is crucial.
Late spring frosts which occur after growth has started are essentially the most damaging of all. The danger signs are clear skies in the evening, a northerly wind which decreases at dusk and a settled dry period during the previous few days. The risk to a plant is reduced if there are overhanging branches above, other plants around, heavy soil below and the coast in close proximity. In frost-prone areas avoid planting fruit trees and delicate shrubs. Give some form of winter protection for choice specimens.
Frost pocket: A frost pocket is an area this is abnormally susceptible to early autumn and late spring frosts. It takes place where a dense barrier is present on a sloping position, substitute this with an open barrier which allows air through. A frost pocket is also formed in the hollow in the bottom of a sloping site.
Wind: The spectacular effects of a gale are well known, broken branches , knocked-over pots etc. But the consequences of persistent winds are less renowned, lop-sided plants due to the death of buds on the windward side, and small growth due to the cooling and drying effect on the growing point. On exposed sites a windbreak is probably necessary, but never use a solid screen. A wall or closed fence will create down-draughts on iether side and plants can be harmed. A hedge, on the other hand, will gently reduce wind speed for a distance of 15 - 30 times its height.
Rainfall: An average annual rainfall is 34 inches in England. Unlike some other areas of the globe there is no distinct rainy season, but October to January is normally the wettest period. The driest region is the Thames Estuary (20 inches), the wettest spots are the mountains of Wales and Scotland (175 inches). The U.K record, however, belongs in the Lake District (275 inches) in 1954 at Springkling Tarn.
A drought is a period of 15 consecutive days with no measurable rainfall, and droughts do occur at fairly regular intervals in Britain. Thorough watering is critical at such times, or else plants will suffer or die. Snow is certainly a mixed blessing, a blanket of snow can protect plants which would otherwise be affected by arctic-like winds, but heavy snowfalls can damage or break the branches of evergreens.
Altitude: The height of your garden has an effect on the general climate. For each 600 ft. increase in altitude, an average annual temperature falls by 2 degrees and the start of your growing season is delayed by 3 days. Solar energy decreases whereas both rainfall and wing speed increase.
Author Resource:
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