Jan 16.

Believe it or not, there's a historical record of predicted first and last frosts. Not that you can believe anything any longer, what with our upside down weather patterns. ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: First and last frost data

This is one of my favorite fun tools. You can zoom right on down to your own neighborhood to see your average last frost date, which can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. My average last frost date is Feb 21 - 29, but just a few blocks north of me, it's March 1 - 10, and a few miles east of me, it's March 11 - 20.

Arizona Interactive Last Frost Map

My prediction . . .last week

Tonight for some folks here, especially in outlying areas. Maybe even later in the week. Or next week, or next month.... Given this weather, who the heck knows?

I would love to have a freeze in the middle of July.

I just learned about Wunderground on the Valley Permaculture forum and found a private weather station right in my neighborhood. This morning we had frost and I'm so glad we covered the delicate plants!

Here is a link that might be useful: WunderMap

Allow me to revise my earlier optimistic prediction.

2/12

LOL! Lose anything this time around?

Not that I know of. All in all, we were very fortunate, suffering through consecutive nights of 25F, 24F, 18F, 22F, 30F in Jan. Melocactus, Sansevieria, tender Mamms, and more than 190 Agaves all made it through. Other than tip-burn on some tender Sansevierias and Agaves, and a top we'll need to lop off a Pilocereus, we came through really well. Our latest worries about the recent freeze (31F, 29F) are about how wet it was, but it will take a while to be certain all the Mamms survived.

In any case, it's over now; AFAIK, serious freeze threat ends in the middle of Feb, so we're free and clear!

Lost a huge passiflora. Darn, I thought I'd get fruits this year. Hopefully, it comes back from the ground but I doubt it.

Supposed to freeze tonight as well.

LOL at your prediction revision, GermanStar! Sorry to folks who lost plants or had damage. I had just a touch of frost Wednesday morning--HATE.

I'm ready for the heat. Bring it on!
Happy gardening all,
Grant

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics from my garden February 2013

Color me ever hopeful. My prediction for next winter is a frost-free season. After this winter, I figure Mother Nature owes us one, don't you agree?

Grant, hold on there!! We don't need no stinkin' heat! At least I don't. Hate, hate, hate summer, aka Hades. I'd like to have a normal spring, a nice fall and a temperate winter. And skip summer completely!