Some parts of Iowa may experience frost Saturday morning, which would be early for the first frost of the season in Iowa.

Peppers are among the vegetables that should be harvested before a frost. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Temperatures are predicted to dip to the low 30s between Sept. 28-29, which wouldn’t necessarily be a killing freeze, but gardeners can take precautions to be on the safe side.

If frost is predicted in your area, tender produce, such as tomatoes, muskmelon, peppers, beans and summer squash can be harvested. Green tomatoes can ripen over time on your counter; do not refrigerate.

Vegetables in the cabbage family, including Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli, as well as winter squash, can tolerate frost.

Gardeners also can choose to cover their plants overnight – bed sheets work well – or move potted plants to a garage or enclosed porch. Remove the covers during daytime hours.

If frost does hit Eastern Iowa this week, it will be nearly one month sooner than last year, when the first frost occurred in late October in some areas.