plum frost protection

[garden guy]

I live in the central portion of alabama in zone 8a, i have grown plum trees for several years, and although they bloom beautifully yet every year they seem to bloom in late february which causes the plums to die after the last frost in march.

My question is, is there any way to prevent the trees from blooming so early to keep them from getting frost damaged?

[Newt]

Hi Garden Guy,

All I know if is covering the trees with sheets when a frost is expected or having some type of heating system as they do in orchards.*
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...er&btnG=Search

Newt

[wowmom2]

I'm not sure if this will answer your question properly:* My Plum tree, which is young, did well through the Frost (Zone 5).* We simply cover the tree in the late fall to encourage dormancy and uncover in mid to late March.* It seems pretty happy so far...not sure what to do when it gets larger though????

[Newt]

Wowmom, some plums are hardy to zone 4.* Do you know the botancial name of your tree?* Then we could find out how hardy it is.

Newt

[wowmom2]

I have no idea.* My friends and I get things and share things with each other and our families...if it grows we are happy :)

[Newt]

Wowmom, that's one of the best ways to expand the garden.* The plants are called 'pass along plants'.* If you got it from a friend that lives near you, or in the same hardiness zone as you do, then it should be hardy where you live.* If you are trying to protect the flower buds or fruit from a frost, you could use a heater once the tree gets too large to cover.

Newt