As spring blossoms, don’t let lingering winter weather destroy what’s growing in the garden. Just a little bit of planning can help spring gardens survive the chilly nights.

Weather stations across Virginia are predicting frost throughout April, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac Frost Dates Calculator. Because estimated frost dates are based on historical climate data, gardeners should keep an eye on local weather forecasts for greater accuracy.

Frost is predicted when temperatures reach 32 degrees, but it still can occur when air temperatures are just above freezing.

Hardy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale and spinach can withstand hard frosts for short periods without injury. Frost-tolerant vegetables like beets, carrots, cauliflower and parsnips can withstand a light frost.

But even light frost can damage or destroy tender vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, sweet corn and tomatoes. If it looks like temperatures will plunge at night, plan on harvesting or protecting any tender plants in the garden.

Covering plants with a blanket or row cover can help keep them warm overnight. Covers should be loosely draped over plants to allow circulation, placed well before sunset and removed when the temperatures rise the next day.

Irrigating is another effective method of avoiding frost injury, as moist soil can hold up to four times more heat than dry soil. Milk jugs painted black and filled with water can absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

Low plantings can be covered with mulch for a short, cold period and removed once the danger of frost has passed.

Visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac website for a thorough overview of ways to shield your garden from frost, including instructions for making cold frames and raised bed heat sinks.