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Well just like we
predicted, Mother Nature is about to throw us a curve ball with multiple
nights possibly reaching down into the 20’s. So the question is, what do we
do to protect all these flowering and leafed out plants?
Obviously there’s
nothing to be done for larger flowering trees and shrubs. Just let them be
and see what happens. But, if you were tempted by the warmer weather to
plant tender annuals, you’d better make sure they get covered. Inverted
flower pots or other containers, even cardboard boxes will work to help
protect from frost and hold the soils heat around the plants.
For larger areas or
larger plants that need protection, you can use bed sheets, burlap or frost
blankets – anything made from fabric. But if you decide to use tarps or
plastic, remember the plastic cannot touch the plants. The plants will
freeze where the plastic touches the plants. You must form some type of
tent to keep the plastic away from the plants. Whatever you use, make sure
these are secured to keep from them blowing away. And the way I see it, if
the plant is much taller than you are, forget even trying to protect it.
Now there are 2 plants
I’m always concerned with when this weather change happens - Japanese Maples
and believe it or not, hostas. If frozen back they seem to have a harder
time recovering. And as I always tell folks - if you’re in doubt on whether
or not to cover a plant to protect it from frost or freeze, go ahead and
cover it. You’re better to be safe, than to be sorry. |
