Pittsburghers urged to protect herbs against cold nights

In Pittsburgh, the local weather has seen significant fluctuations, with temperatures recently dropping sharply. Residents have been enjoying unusually warm weather, but the return of cold nights has raised concerns for plant protection. Specifically, Tom Watson, the manager at McTighe's Garden Center, noted that hardy bulb plants like tulips and hyacinths do not require covering, as they can survive frost. He emphasized that perennials, which reappear annually, have a strong chance of enduring the cold. However, Watson warned that herbs must be covered to ensure their safety during the expected cold snap. During this cold spell, local garden centers have taken precautions by using cloth coverings to protect vulnerable plants, as plastic coverings can trap cold air. For smaller flowering fruit trees, it's advisable to cover them if possible, but larger mature trees can't be feasibly protected. Ben Dunigan, director of horticulture at Phipps, explained that dying blooms on some plants do not necessarily mean the entire plant will perish, indicating the resilience of certain species even under adverse conditions. As colder temperatures persist in the Pittsburgh area, minimal morning lows in the 20s and feeling like the teens due to wind chill have prompted residents to be mindful of their outdoor plants. This change in weather is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring in the region, where warm spells can quickly be followed by chilling temperatures, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in plant care during transition periods. Overall, local gardeners and homeowners are being encouraged to keep a close eye on their outdoor plants, especially those that are less hardy. With expectations for higher temperatures returning later in the week, the precautionary measures taken now could make the difference in retaining a thriving garden through the fluctuating weather conditions of Pittsburgh's spring.