Spring Frost Zone Map
It's important to remember that the average last spring frost date is exactly that: an average. It varies from year to year, depending on the season, and can swing wildly.
Microclimates also have an effect. Your yard -- or a spot in it -- may experience frost well after other areas in your neighborhood based on geographical factors such as low spots where cool air pools at night. Likewise, a particularly sheltered spot may stop seeing frosts several weeks before other areas.
Prevent Frost Damage
A late freeze is one of the most aggravating things a gardener can experience. Many times is little you can do to prevent damage like this. But there are some steps you can take. Newly planted vegetables or frost tender perennials that are just emerging like this hibiscus can be covered with a pot. It's simple and very effective. Larger plants can be covered with a cloth sheet, avoid plastic sheet, you know, which actually causes more damage, not less. After late freeze, it's important to wait until summer to prune off the sheets. It's difficult to know right away how much damage occurred. Give the plant time to regrow then clip out the twigs.
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