PLANT CITY, Fla. — Strawberry farmers in east Hillsborough County are preparing for a possible frost Thursday night and the potential for a freeze early Saturday morning.

Freezing temperatures can destroy crops, and the only line of defense are irrigation systems.

Water is sprayed onto fields helps keep the temperature around the plants warmer than the air temperature and often forms a layer of ice over strawberry plants protecting them from frost burn.

Matt Parks with Parkesdale farms said it is the height of growing season right now and with extra investments due to hurricanes last fall, protecting fields this year is more crucial.

“The hurricane was a devastating setback for us,” Parks said. “I mean, our investment this year, on average for all the farmers I would say is probably $3,000 extra an acre that we have invested this year. 

“So, it was definitely a big setback.”

Freezing temperatures aren’t expected Thursday morning because of winds and cloud cover that are helping to keep temperatures warmer.