Newspaper Article – No damage from frost

No damage from frost

Fruitgrowers on the Heretaunga Plains appear to have escaped unscathed last night, despite a 4.8-degree frost recorded at the Hastings Fire Station.

Pakowhai Rd orchardist Philip Mardon said last night’s frost was another of the “niggling frosts” which have been bothering growers for a few weeks.

“Things start looking dangerous, then the breeze gets up or clouds come over and the danger passes.

“Although we had a few worries, we could have stayed in bed,” he said.

Twyford grower Graham Hope said they had a 0.5-degree frost that did no damage.

He said apple trees were just beginning to blossom so were not at risk but stonefruit was at shuckfall and therefore vulnerable.

Havelock Rd grower Cor Dames said the frost caused no visible damage on his orchard.

He said, however, that the ground was so dry that frosts were likely until rain lifted the ground temperatures.

Waipukurau orchardist Tim Harding recorded a 2-degree frost at his orchard.

He said he had his windmill going and did not expect any damage.