Farmers react to frost advisories in parts of Nova Scotia

A Nova Scotia farm is grappling with unexpected frost this spring.

June is off to a chilly start in the Maritimes with frost advisories in place for parts of Nova Scotia.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of patchy frost overnight Monday.

Yellow frost advisories are in effect for eastern mainland areas of the province and Cape Breton.

The warning says minimum temperatures will reach near zero in low-lying areas.

“Take preventative measures to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees, and crops,” it reads.

“Frost advisories are issued when widespread frost or freezing temperatures are expected during the growing season.”

Amanda Stanton, manager of Goucher’s Farm Market in Melvern Square, N.S., says frost has been considerable this season and that it’s shaping up to be a challenge.

“We have had quite a bit of frost this year and it’s been quite cold. We have used a lot of row cover and that’s helped warm the ground,” adds Jeffrey Goucher, owner and farmer.

Strawberries, beans, peas, squash and cabbage are just some of the crops grown at the farm. Goucher decided to invest in a row covering to see if it would help the crops during the cold winter, a move that Stanton says seems to have worked.

“We try to keep most stuff covered, potatoes, too,” says Goucher.

There are no frost advisories in place for New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Emma Convey

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