Frigid temperatures affecting crops and plants on the Central Coast

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) The Central Coast has been experiencing extremes in temperatures this winter. Now, an unusual cold snap is bringing cool daytime highs and frigid overnight lows to the area.

After above-average temperatures, the past few weeks, Mother Nature with its sudden cold burst, is reminding us it's still winter. 

"It's slowing things down. We were excited to have strawberries really early this season, but all of a sudden Mother Nature sent us a message and said not so quickly,” Javier Zamora, Owner of JSM Organic Farms in Royal Oaks.  

While touring the strawberry fields, Zamora mentioned some of the strawberries that would have been ready in about 16 days were actually "freeze burnt," and its not just the strawberries. Many of the flowers on those plants were also damaged.

The chilly temperatures can wreak havoc on produce that can't withstand the cold. “For example, citrus gets tip burn, the new growth will freeze. There are some things that can freeze all the way to the ground like if you planted your tomatoes a little too early or your peppers, those may freeze,” said Jeff Nilsen, Owner Bokay Nursery in Salinas.

Unfortunately, some growers were faked out by the beautiful 80-degree weather. 

“They go, 'Wow lets go and plant some squash or even cilantro' and then all of a sudden they are like 'Oh my God' you know the plant was this tall and you just fry them,” continued Zamora.

As far as protecting the strawberries from the cold, Zamora says there’s not much he can do to avoid damage other than water the crop prior which gives it a little insulation. However, at home, there are ways you can protect your tender plants. 

“My favorite remedy is Christmas lights. If you can dig back into your Christmas decorations and get those old fashioned Christmas lights, not the LEDs but the one's that give off heat. Also the frost cloth, or row cover its called, can also be put over it," added Nilsen.

If you don’t have time to pull out Christmas lights or buy a frost cloth, you can cover plants with a bed sheet or plastic. When those temperatures drop, Farmworkers also feel the impact. Zamora says, they tend to start their days a little later to avoid the coldest morning temperatures.