Frost takes a bite out of some blooms, threatens gardeners' efforts

GAINESVILLE - Following a brief period of relatively warm temperatures, the sudden streak of cold weather that has set in over north Georgia the past few days has proven a threat to many outdoor plants. And, an overnight frost in some parts of Hall County Tuesday night took its toll on some early blooms.

Cold temperatures can be deadly for numerous plants, especially those of the home-grown variety, according to local gardening expert Gene Anderson.

Anderson, co-host of WDUN's Homegrown with Gene and Kellie, says it is likely that this cold streak will damage some of the more vulnerable plants, especially if proper precautions have not been taken: "If there were any tender plants that weren't covered, I'm afraid there will be some burn-back ," he said.

"Anything like tomatoes or peppers, whatever might have set out already, I think there would be some damage