And just like that, it’s going to get cold. 

So cold that the National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for parts of Maryland, including Howard County, for Friday night/Saturday morning. 

According to NWS, temperatures could drop to the upper 20s and lower 30s over night tonight - likely be the coolest night of the fall so far, according to the forecast discussion.

Freezing temperatures can kill crops and other plants in several ways – one way is that the expansion of freezing water inside the plant cells damages and destroys them. 

If you’re trying to prolong the life of a seasonal garden in hopes that another frost or freeze is a ways away, try these tips from GardeningKnowhow.com: 

• Cover plants with a loosely draped blanket
• Cover plants in a blanket and plastic
• Water your plants today – wet soil holds more heat

After the freeze, however, the weather is expected to take a turn for the mild.

According to the NWS forecast discussion: "After a cool start, Saturday should sparkle" with temperatures in the low 60s and "plenty of sunshine." 

For more local news, sign up for the Ellicott City Patch newsletter . Keep the conversation going on Facebook and Twitter .