We here in north Texas expect our first frost in mid-November. Frequently we will have only one or two evenings of freezing temperatures, and then swing back to long stretches of mild weather. How do we make sure our plants survive those few nights?

We have always promoted and used Maxicrop liquid seaweed as an organic root stimulator. We know it contains natural growth stimulants that strongly enhance seed germination, root development and general plant growth and health. We soak the root ball of every plant and the planting hole each time we plant. We continue to water those plants with liquid seaweed every week for the first month to insure that they have the best start possible. We soak seeds and bulbs overnight in a seaweed solution before planting. Liquid seaweed promotes root growth when used as a foliar spray as well.

Feeding with seaweed increases a plant’s resistance to stresses such as insect pests, diseases, drought and frost. Studies conducted by Dr. Senn at Clemson University showed tomatoes treated with a seaweed solution survived temperatures down to 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Nancy Bubel in her book The New Seed Starter’s Handbook, maintains that Eskimos have long used seaweed to protect vegetables from frost damage.

Feed the soil around your plants and foliar spray weekly plants that are a bit more sensitive to the cold. On the night of a freeze, you will also get several degrees of protection by covering plants with a frost cloth. Gardening organic means being prepared!