Frost threatens fruit trees in the coming days. Due to the low temperatures, the blossom can freeze to pieces, Weerplaza warns. And that means gardeners may have to get out of bed at night to water their fruit. “These are always exciting times”, says Carlos Faes, owner of the Philips Fruittuin.
“Look, the pink buds are already here,” Faes says, pointing to his apple trees. “That is two weeks earlier than last year. That’s extremely early, you know.” With a proud smile he walks through his enormous fruit garden of twelve hectares. Many fruit trees are already in full bloom, due to the sunny and mild weather of recent times.
The chance of frost will increase considerably in the coming nights, according to Weerplaza’s forecast. “Next night and Wednesday night already around freezing”, weather woman Roosmarijn Knol knows. “Friday to Sunday it can freeze 2 to 4 degrees and unprotected fruit blossoms can be damaged. The fruit growers must take measures”, is the advice.
ice jacket
The horticulturist does not have any nerves with his many years of experience. Like most entrepreneurs, he has taken precautions. Gardeners have to irrigate every year. Then the buds are sprayed wet to protect them with a ‘coat’ of ice. Faes is also busy preparing the sprinklers.
The passion for the profession can even be seen in Faes’ bedroom. There is a detector for this when the temperature drops below freezing. “Then you have to get out and take action. You can’t just leave that to machines, you have to be there,” says the horticulturist. He is not happy about that. “Night work is for vermin,” he jokes.
Breaking down
If you have a fruit tree in your garden, it is better not to irrigate. “It all comes very precisely. Here it is set per millimeter and square metre,” he says, pointing to the nozzles. “If you get started with your gardening, you get too much ice. Then the branches can break due to the weight.”
That is why he has two practical tips for those who get nervous about the weather forecast. “Try to wrap it with a large sheet or a piece of plastic,” is his suggestion. “You can also put garden torches near your tree to keep them warmer.” There is no need to be afraid of fire. “In the night there is no wind when it freezes.”