The temperature can drop at any time, and during this period, your plants require additional protection from the dangers of frost. Frost damage occurs as the moisture in the plant’s cells freezes, and you may not notice the problems until temperatures warm up again. Only then will you see drooping leaves and brown foliage, signaling that the plant is suffering. Here are some tips to protect your plants from frost.
Tip 1: Mulch around the Roots
Applying mulch around the roots of your plants can offer valuable protection from frost. You can use decaying leaves, bark, or compost as mulch. In autumn, leverage the decaying leaves from your property’s trees as mulch. While you can purchase bags of mulch at gardening or home improvement stores, creating your own compost is also an option. Remember that mulch can blow away, so be prepared to reapply it as needed.
Tip 2: Cover Plants with Fabric
Cover the tops of your plants with fabrics, such as:
- Burlap: A heavy and affordable fabric.
- Bedding: Repurpose old bed linens to shield your plants.
- Towels: Utilize old bath towels for insulation.
- Commercial frost cloths: Available at gardening stores.
Be sure not to use plastic to cover your plants, as it can trap moisture and prevent the oxygen from escaping, which is detrimental to plant health.
Tip 3: Use Buckets to Protect Plants
When using buckets to shield your plants, ensure the bottom is propped up slightly to allow carbon dioxide access for the plants while facilitating oxygen release.
Tip 4: Wet the Soil
Some gardeners recommend watering the soil around the plants to help trap heat in the ground. This method is effective for short-term frosty conditions but may not be suitable for prolonged cold spells.
Tip 5: Cover Plants with Flowerpots
Keep extra flowerpots available to cover plants outdoors. Have a variety of sizes ready when temperatures begin to drop.
Tip 6: Jugs of Hot Water
Fill old milk jugs or other plastic containers with hot water and position them near shrubs, plants, or trees. Cover the plants with a fabric layer, as the heat from the containers will help warm the area and protect against frost.
Tip 7: Move Plants Near to a Heated Building
For potted plants, move the flowerpots nearer to a building to take advantage of the warmth, especially beneficial during windy conditions.
Tip 8: Outdoor Space Heaters
If you own an outdoor space heater, use it near your garden or other plants. Ensure you monitor it closely to prevent fire hazards, keeping pets and children away to ensure safety.
Choose the Right Landscaping Services
Lawn and Landcare understands the importance of beautiful plants for our customers. While providing residential or commercial landscaping, our gardeners encounter various plants that require frost protection. We have extensive expertise in both residential and commercial landscape design and installation services.
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Lawn & Landcare, situated in North Dallas, offers a wide range of services to our customers, including residential and commercial landscape design and installation. Our services are available year-round, so contact us anytime for more information.
