Frosty Temperatures - Tips for Protecting Your Plants

When the temperatures get colder, there are a few simple things to remember for your yard and garden, in order to limit and prevent problems in the spring. Just follow these simple cold-weather tips and you can be sure that your plants will be prepared to thrive come springtime!

MOVE YOUR CONTAINERS TO THE GARAGE OR A PROTECTED AREA

Plants growing in pots and containers are more susceptible to winter damage than plants planted in the ground because the pots don't provide the insulation and protection that the ground does. To prevent the soil and roots in your containers from freezing, you can simply move the container to the garage or a shed that provides some protection from the cold. Even moving these pots to a protected place near the house will help prevent damage. If the pots are too large to move, simply wrapping them with blankets or insulation will help. This can be advantageous for the container as well, as some terra cotta, ceramic, and plastic containers can be damaged by repeated freezing and thawing.

GIVE YOUR GARDEN A BLANKET OF MULCH

Some of the plants in your garden may have gone dormant – but the roots on tender plants can still be damaged by freezing weather. A layer of mulch creates a protective insulating layer between the soil and the cold air. Plus, a mulch layer protects the soil from erosion, and can help prevent weed growth in the spring. Here at Al’s, we love using a good compost for mulch, but even straw or a thick layer of leaves will help protect from extreme cold.

WATER IN THE WINTER

Those dormant plants still get thirsty this time of year. Before the really cold weather hits, it may be wise to give your plants a good deep soaking – especially where the soil is very dry. This is common near houses or buildings - especially under the eaves. This watering helps hydrate leaves and protects them from damage due to dehydration in cold, windy conditions.

WILT STOP® OFFERS PROTECTION AGAINST THE WIND

When the wind picks up, many exposed plants can lose a lot of vital moisture to the air. You can protect your broad-leaf evergreen plants such as Mexican Orange, viburnums, and privets, by applying a layer of Wilt Stop®. This creates a natural protective layer that keeps the moisture in the plant where it belongs.

DRAIN YOUR HOSES AND PIPES

Frozen water can wreak havoc on hoses and pipes. Before any major freeze, we suggest that you disconnect and drain all your garden hoses and sprinkler systems. An insulating cover for your outdoor faucet is an easy way to protect the pipes from the ice.