Last Spring Frost Of 2026

In March 2025 I made this blog post discussing last freeze/frost dates for our area.  Recently we've seen the typical temperature fluctations for April, but they seem more exaggerated this year with daytime 90 degree temperatures.  The latest forecast I've seen calls for a low of 33 degrees around 5-6 AM Tuesday 4/21.  Frost can damage temder perennials and annuals.  In some cases, the damage can be severe enough that the plant slowly dies.  Covering sensative plants with a frost blanket or an old sheet can provide a couple of degrees of temperature protection and keep the damaging frost off of your plants.  Frost blankets are sold under many names (frost blanket, plant cover, floating row cover), but they are typically nonwoven white fabrics weighing in at 0.5 to 1.5 ounces/square yard.

Instead of frost blankets, I use inexpensive twin size lightweight fleece blankets that I bought from Amazon for about $12 each. These lightweight blankets typically weigh in at about 6 ounces per square yard.  I find they are much easier to throw over a raised bed or propagation table and the extra weight really doesn't hurt the plants if you're covering up a bunch of plants under one blanket or if the plants are sturdy or have support.

I'm feeling lucky.  Are you?  I'm betting this will be the last time we see a nighttime temperature at or below 36 degrees and hopefully the last time I have to make my outdoor beds.