Spring generally symbolizes transition and rebirth. In the common imagination, this renewal is accompanied by the return of greenery, the growth of flowers and a breath of new life which brings color to the garden and vegetable patch. However, that’s without counting on the Ice Saints, particularly feared by gardeners! Indeed, during May, late frosts can hit our green spaces before definitively giving way to fine weather. Enough to annihilate all your efforts and kill plants that are still fragile and thriving. Thus, many gardening enthusiasts pass up the Ice Saints, experienced as a sort of landmark before even considering starting to plant anything. Discover the dates of the 2024 Ice Saints and the measures to put in place in the garden to get through this period without any problems.
Our article will give you some tips for protecting the plants most sensitive to cold during this period and will detail the critical moments for the year 2024.
In 2024, what are the dates for the Ice Saints?
Today, the names of the Ice Saints have been replaced by others in the calendar. However, the dates remain the same each year. In 2024, they will do “ a little winter for the three of them » as the saying goes on the following dates: Saint Mamert will take place the 11th from (also date of Saint Estelle), Saint Pancras will take place the 12th from (also date of Saint Achilles) and Saint Servais will take place the 14th from (also date of Saint Rolande)
Be careful, however, not to rely too much on the adage that “ before Saint-Servais, summer point; after Saint-Servais, no more jelly “. Indeed, frosts are known to last well after, until Saint-Urbain, celebrated on May 25.
Can we still trust the dates for Ice Saints 2024?
A parameter to take into account is obviously global warming which turns the weather upside down. So the gardener can lose his bearings a little! Climatic data from recent decades indicate that, unlike the times of our ancestors, these late frosts are always announced earlier and occur more readily at the beginning of May. Added to this is the fact that in the 20th century, France only experienced thirteen real episodes of frost. Therefore, the dates of the Ice Saints today should be taken with a grain of salt.
However, the first half of May can be quite cold in certain regions with a strong descent of cold air which can cause very low temperatures. If the climate is harsher in your area, you will sometimes even have to wait until the end of May to resume your plantings. It is therefore above all up to the gardener to use common sense and of don’t rush if in doubt about upcoming weather conditions. To avoid being surprised, be sure to protect fragile plants and the garden from the cold until the frosts officially end.
How to protect your garden from frost and which plants to focus your efforts on?
Whether you believe in the Ice Saints or not, it is best to take certain precautions:
-First of all, the simple fact of keep track of the weather in your region can limit losses linked to frost in the garden.
-Also avoid planting chilly plants before the end of the frost.
-If possible, put the most sensitive plants indoors overnight. A simple veranda or open porch could already provide protection.
-If these are plants in the ground, don’t panic: continue to plant a winter veil, bells or tunnels like in winter. However, you should always remove them in the morning to allow your plants to soak up the sun.
-In addition, do not lower your vigilance when the sky clears and the days seem milder, because this announces a high risk of frost. So don’t let yourself be fooled!
-Finally, you can try watering at night. This will trap heat in the ground, protecting them from cold temperatures.
Which plants are sensitive to cold to protect well?
THE annual plants (begonias, impatiens, petunias, etc.) have great difficulty tolerating the cold. This is also the case for perennial plants in early flowering (roses, lilacs, peonies, etc.) which could be very vulnerable. Also pay attention to your fruit trees who could suffer serious damage. To ensure good fruit harvests, carefully protect your apple tree, pear tree and cherry tree. Finally, in the vegetable garden, pay attention to tomatoes, cucumbers or squash. The cold does not do them any favors…