Twin Tiers Growing Season off to Frosty Start

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued its second Frost Advisory this week for the Twin Tiers even as the growing season officially gets underway.

NOAA says the Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. May 13.

The Advisory area includes Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Tompkins and Otsego Counties in New York and Susquehanna, Bradford and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania.

Forecasters warn frost could form especially in the more sheltered valley areas during the early morning hours with falling temperatures toward daybreak.

The cold temperatures could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

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The growing season for the region began this week, but experts warn the soil temperatures generally remain on the cold side for trying to plant anything in the ground.

Young plants that are already set should be covered with light cloth or other porous covering to protect from frost.  Covering with plastic can actually harm plants which could easily be steamed by the heat and moisture trapped under the plastic. Hanging baskets and other potted plants, many of those, of course purchased for Mother’s Day, should be brought inside or placed under shelter overnight.