Gauteng Smallholder April 2016 | Page 29

From page 26 survive winter frosts, but may known as frost-tender plants. be killed by unexpected Others can tolerate mild frost spring frost. (0°C to -3°C) – these are When looking for cold called half-hardy plants. resistant plants there are some The range of below freezing pointers that are helpful. Look temperatures tolerated by at where the plants occur plants that are commonly naturally, those that grow in known as frost-hardy varies the Karoo, northern Eastern enormously. Cape, Free State and grassSome plants are killed outright lands of Mpumalanga and Gauteng are typically cold by frost while others suffer hardy. damage, such as complete defoliation, from which they Typically evergreen plants that can recover. are cold hardy have small to Frost damage also depends on tiny or narrow leaves and the the manner in which temper- plants themselves tend to be almost stunted. They are also ature changes, as well as on very often rather slow the season and the growth growing. If they have slightly stage of the plant. For larger leaves they will be example, if freezing is rapid rather leathery or hairy, or the plant can be killed at have even have a waxy layer higher temperatures than if protecting them. freezing is gradual. Furthermore, greater injury to Obviously choose vegetables that are able to cope with the plant is likely to occur during a period of continued frost. Check on the seed packets or ask the nursery freezing than during a short freeze. Some plants may also staff if you are buying ON water THE PLOT your plants according vegetable seedlings. There are also precautions that you can take to help your plants and vegetables to survive. Mulching helps to protect the roots at night you can put hessian, straw tepees or lightweight frost cover over plants that may be damaged by frost. Plants are better able to cope if they are strong and healthy. If you regularly feed and 27 www.sasmallholder.co.za to their needs during the growing season, they will be healthy and strong going into winter. There is strong evidence that potassium (potash) strengthens plant cells, so you can fertilize your garden with 3:1:5 late in the summer to provide extra potassium before the winter cold. It is important to be aware of Continued on page 29