Freeze Watch Issued For 7 Maryland Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for several counties in Maryland, effective until 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 8.

A freeze watch means that below-freezing temperatures are expected.

Sensitive vegetation that is not covered may be killed, according to weather officials, who said that temperatures are expected to be in the low 30s overnight.

These areas are included in the freeze watch: Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties.

Here are some steps you can take when a frost or freeze threatens, according to TodaysHomeowner.com.

• Bring Indoors: Frost-tender plants in containers should be brought inside during cold weather. Dig up tender bulbs and store them in a cool dry place.
• Water Plants: Water plants thoroughly before a freeze to prevent desiccation and to add insulating water to the soil and plant cells.
• Protect Tender Sprouts: Cover tender plants overnight with an inverted bucket or flower pot, or with a layer of mulch. Be sure to uncover them in the morning when the temperature rises above freezing.
• Cover Shrubs and Trees: Larger plants can be covered with fabric, old bed sheets, burlap, or commercial frost cloths (avoid using plastic). For best results, drape the cover over a frame to keep it from touching the foliage. Fabric covers help to trap heat from the soil, so make sure your cover drapes to the ground. Uncover them in the morning when the temperature rises above freezing.

Image via Susanne Nilsson via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.