The first freeze warning is coming. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside the plants is in danger of freezing, causing the plant cells to burst. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to protect your yard and plants before freezing temperatures arrive.
Here are some of our tips for protecting your plants from freezing temperatures.
Before a Freeze Warning
Mulch
Add mulch to the soil around the roots of plants and shrubs to minimize heat loss and retain moisture.
Cover
Cover exposed plants with a blanket first, then plastic that drapes to the ground — anchor with rocks, bricks, or soil to keep the wind out and allow for heat retention.
Water
Thoroughly Water plants if it won’t rain before the freezing temperatures arrive. It may sound illogical. However, the moist ground stays warmer than dry soil. Watering the night before the freeze comes will
Thoroughly Water plants if it won’t rain before the freezing temperatures arrive. It may sound illogical. However, the moist ground stays warmer than dry soil. Watering the night before the freeze will insulate the grass and plants’ root structure and decrease the potential for cold injury.
Skip Watering if:
- The ground is frozen
- There’s a hard freeze (at least 4 hours of 25 degrees F)
- The temperature outside is under 40 degrees
Note: Keep the water on the ground and avoid getting the foliage wet. Wet leaves will form frost, killing the plant faster than cold air alone. Check Today’s Homeowner for further instructions on watering plants before a freeze.
Bring Potted Plants Indoors
The easiest way to protect potted plants is to bring them indoors. If that isn’t an option, shield them from the wind and place them close together so they can protect each other.
Avoid Walking on Grass
If there’s a front on your lawn, walking on it can break the blades of your grass. Avoid stepping on your turf to keep your yard looking great until spring.
During the growing season and warm temps, your yard could bounce back quickly from being walked on. If you notice the last areas to turn green in the spring, it could be due to having constant foot traffic in cold months.
What other tips do you have for protecting your plants before a freeze warning?
Lawn Care Protects
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