The warm temperatures earlier in the month brought many ornamental and fruiting shrubs out of dormancy. Commerical peas and some soybeans are planted. Many gardeners also took advantage of the warmer weather.
Last night’s blast of gusty air coupled with a cold front has pushed soil temperatures below 50ºF in Salem County. The risk of wind chill, frost and freeze damage to susceptible vegetables, fruits and landscape flowers could occur over the next few days. Conditions have prompted NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture to allow producers, if they follow these requirements, to use controlled open burning or use of specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops from damage beginning today, April 21, through Monday, April 26. https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2021/approved/press210421.html
If you have vulnerable vegetation, their are other steps you can take to protect sensitive buds, foliage and stems besides those designed for large acreage. Measures such as cloth covers, buckets, or mounding of dry soil, mulch, straw, hay should prevent dew accumulation or seepage of moisture through material. Remember to remove as soon as air temperature rises above freezing to prevent bruising and wilt damage. Especially before the inch of rain forecasted for Sunday (but locally heavy downpours could occur). Line plants with a layer of protection from the organic material options to prevent movement of fungi and bacteria.