Denver is facing its first streak of chilly nights later this week, but the last of the backyard tomatoes should survive, according to weather and vegetable sources.
The low temperature Monday night is expected to be about 46 degrees in the city, followed by 49 Tuesday night. well above the of 42 degrees.
After a high near 70 degrees during the day Wednesday, there is a 20 percent chance of rain and a forecast low of 38 degrees. Night-time temperatures will remain in the upper to mid-30s through Sunday, but Saturday’s high temperature might reach only 47 degrees.
With an expected low of 35 Saturday, the city has an outside chance of snow and a killing frost. The average date for is Oct. 7. The first freeze last year was on Oct. 17, and the first snow was on Oct. 25.
“With the forecast of a light frost, tomatoes may be protected by covering,” according to Colorado State University’s . “If heavy frost is forecast and covering is not practical, harvest fruit before the frost event and carry indoors.”
Healthy green tomatoes can still ripen indoors. Withholding watering this week also could help some tomatoes green up a little faster by Saturday, according to the Master Gardeners” advice.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174, jbunch@denverpost.com; Ttwitter.com/joeybunch.
