Coast Gardener
Protecting Plants from Winter’s Chill
Coast Gardener Newspaper and Web Column - January 12, 2009
We are going to have the season’s first, and let us hope last, blast of winter this week. This may cause some problems as many of our broadleaf evergreen plants have started to transition into spring growth due to the mild weather we have had for the past month.
Here are some tips that will help protect your plants during late season cold spells:
- Make sure your plants are well watered. The water helps to insulate the root system during cold snaps. As soil or container moisture decreases in temperature heat is released to the root zones providing some protection.
- Maintain 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of your plants as this conserves water and acts as an insulation blanket for the roots.
- Plants in containers can be moved into the garage when cold temperatures are threatening. Even on the patio up against your home will provide some protection.
- In-ground plants may be covered with plastic sheets, cloth, boxes, etc. Ideally, the foliage should not touch the covering. In days gone-by, protecting plants using a bell-shaped jar called a cloche was very effective.
Even with providing protection, plant injury can occur from low temperatures. Removing damaged tissue will reduce disease and insect pressure. Herbaceous plants will show the damage immediately, but our woody plants are a different story. Many may not show the full extent of damage for several weeks or months. Do not be in a rush to prune branches. It is better to wait and see if recovery will occur.
Written by Dr. Gary R. Bachman, Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture, Coastal Research & Extension Center.