Crop growers brace for cold snap

Growers in the area are also busy trying to keep their crops from freezing.

Dick Peixoto has been farming ever since he was in high school but now as the owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens in Watsonville, he said he and his crews first priority is making sure the crops are protected against all types of weather conditions, even the rare cold weather.

Peixoto said,
“Whenever it gets this cold we have to the biggest thing is to replace the moisture that the freeze will take out of the plant.”

Lakeside said the crops they grow on the central coast can often times withstand the cold. Crops like chard, kale, cabbage and celery are hardy vegetables.

Lakeside Organic Gardens is trying something new this year. They put up hoop houses to extend the growing season for celery.

Growers said normally hoop houses are used for berries.
Lindsey Roberts from Lakeside Organics was surprised that the frost came late this year.

“We didn’t expect the frost to come so late but we’re grateful that it did because we were able to grow crops a little longer than years before,” said Roberts.

The mild fall weather has allowed them to harvest bell peppers through the holidays.

“To me harvesting bell peppers at Christmas is pretty unbelievable really so but i think after tomorrow night that party will be over,” said Peixoto.

Peixoto said every night before dark crews spray the plants with water to keep the moisture in. So only the outer part of the crop gets frost but the inside stays protected.