killing frost

American  

noun

1. the occurrence of temperatures cold enough to kill all but the hardiest vegetation, especially the last such occurrence in spring and the first in fall, events that limit the agricultural growing season.

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Example Sentences

“The risk for mosquito-transmitted infections is present from when snow melts in the spring until there is a mosquito killing frost in the fall.”

From Washington Times

When the misty days of autumn end with the first killing frost, Heckler cuts down the dahlias and puts the garden to bed, if only for a couple of months.

From Seattle Times

“The killing frost is on the ground and autumn leaves are gone”: a simple line from this new record that contains the proverbial multitudes.

From The Guardian

Find out the average date of the last killing frost in your area; you can call your county Cooperative Extension office for the date.

From Washington Times

Cool-weather vegetables can be planted outdoors a few weeks before the average date of the last killing frost.

From Washington Times