I believe the ground freezes over a period of time.
I would also think saturated ground would freeze quicker than dry.
We've been very cold the past two weeks (25 degrees and lower) and the ground is not frozen. Some years the ground does not completely freeze until the end of November.

Lori

I haven't heard that, but with the amount of rain we've gotten recently, and with rain in the forcast, I would think there would be enough water from natural sources. But I guess it depends on where you are and whether you've been getting the rain I have.

Yes I think we have had enough rain to do the trick. Wasn't last year a lot warmer than this year? Thanks to all that wrote regarding my question.

Ground Frost Update...LOL

I dug out a flower bed last week.
Although the lawn/ground is not frozen on top, about two inches down there is frost.
The cold nights freeze the ground then the warm days thaw out the topsoil but forces the frost deeper.

I'm glad you asked this question mary.
You have motivated me to watch to see when the ground freezes and how deep the frost goes!

lori