Posted: 09.13.2011

Wisconsin temperatures are expected to dip starting this morning - potentially putting a lot of sensitive vegetation at risk.

Mike Maddox, program assistant with the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, tells the Wisconsin Farm Report that it's really not as early as you might think.  "I don't think anyone's really surprised by the weather forecast - maybe disappointed - but we can still keep that garden going."  Maddox suggests that gardeners with questions turn to hort.uwex.edu/ .  The website also allows users to send their individual questions to extension staff for a quick response.

Maddox says that most of Wisconsin's gardeners will be able to protect their investment with a simple protective covering - like a bed sheet - from the cooler overnight temps.  He says if your garden is nearing its end - and there's still some product left over - think of your local food pantry.  "They need it desperately,"  Maddox says.  "Sometimes you can deliver product to the food pantry and literally watch it move off the shelves immediately."  Maddox says before gardeners turn up at their local food pantry with a pick-up load of goods - call first.  "Every food pantry's a little different,"  Maddox continues, "Some want it washed, or packaged, or will only be able to take deliveries at a certain time.  Call first."

Maddox says he's experienced an exponential increase in the number of inquiries from beginning gardeners again this year.  "Over the last several year's there's been a huge upswing in people interested in 'do-it-yourself, grow-your-own, chemical free, being self sustaining movement."

The map below shows average first frost dates for Wisconsin.

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