BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – An overnight cold snap that brought temperatures in the mid-thirties to parts of the Tampa Bay region also brought farmers out giving some extra attention to their crops Wednesday morning.
Strawberries were the main concern because if the blossoms are damaged by frost, the entire crop could be destroyed.
Jeff Casey of JG Ranch in Brooksville said he tried a new method of frost prevention this season. Instead of taking the traditional route of spraying crops with water to protect the plants, he is using a product called Desikote to stop frost from forming.
“It prevents frost from forming on the plants until about 28 degrees, so we don’t have to worry about the freeze as nearly as often as they do down in Plant City,” said Casey.
Casey’s crops made it through the cold snap frost-free, but he said the real concern is for January. That's when temperatures drop lower for longer periods of time.
“This is the way I make a living. This is what pays my mortgage every year,” he said. “One mistake and I’m out of business.”
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
