Kitchen Garden Forum

When (roughly) is the 1st frost of winter?

It's the 1st time I have had a garden, so don't know the seasons fully, yet.
We're looking at going away in mid-Oct and, whilst I think it should be fine and "don't be silly it's autumn" I thought I'd best check

So apologies for asking a winter questions! It's almost a "it's nearly Christmas" question!

Them there ducks ask intelligent questions SC They obviously want to know when their pond is going to freeze over.

It may not be a full frost that catches people out from now on, just a very cold night can do some damage to some plants/crops.

You being Luton may not suffer it early but I always keep a weather eye open from the beginning of Sept onwards.
However, last winter it was well into December before we got a frost that caused damage on the allotment. Didn't lose anything though. The garden is quite well sheltered but I didn't get my geraniums or fuchsias in in time last winter, so lost them.

I would just advise you to keep thing sheltered or with suitable cover to easily to hand so you can cover plants you don't want to risk losing.

I suspect some people have ha their first ground frost already.
It varies from year to year, but try this guide which might give you a rough idea.

http://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/adjust-dates-uk.php

Thank you very much for the answers
Training Ducks to ask "sensitive / stoopid" questions is the way to go I highly recommend it!