At the coldest and lowest point of the farm, the thermometer showed a minimum reading of –32 degrees. The cold air mass drifted down the slope into the hollow, as it always does on a clear and still winter night.

The temperature varies surprisingly across the farm. The difference in minimum temperatures between different parts of the farm can be 3–4 degrees — which is sometimes critical for tree survival. A few degrees less frost can mean the difference between a healthy tree and a frost-damaged branch.

This is one reason why variety and rootstock selection, as well as planting site planning, are so important in northern fruit growing.

---

← Back to blog