Frost dates matter for any gardener growing vegetables or tender plants. The first frost of autumn can arrive unexpectedly, and knowing which plants survive cold snaps and which don't determines what stays in the ground and what needs protection.

Two types of frost affect gardens differently: air frost (when air temperature drops to 0°C/32°F) and ground frost (when ground temperature hits freezing). Both can damage plants by bursting cell walls when water inside freezes, causing plants to turn black and die.

Understanding frost tolerance levels and how your garden reacts to cold helps you plan protection strategies before temperatures drop. Here's how to identify vulnerable plants, recognize frost pockets, and extend your growing season.

1. Understand frost tolerance levels

Tender plan

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