Freezing temperatures on the way. Did your protect your plants? Prepare your plants for the upcoming cold weather with these suggestions:
1. Cover all tender plants.
Most anything will work, but old blankets, sheets, and even burlap sacks are best. When covering plants, drape them loosely and secure with stakes, rocks, or bricks. The lighter covers can simply be placed directly over the plants, but heavier covers may require some type of support, such as wire, to prevent the plants from becoming crushed under the weight. Covering tender garden plants in the evening will help retain heat and protect them from freezing. However, it is important that the covers be removed once the sun comes out the following morning; otherwise, the plants may fall victim to suffocation. Make sure you do not use plastic to cover your plants because it cause a burn on them.
2. Water all of your plants and containers before the cold weather hits, because a dry plant will suffer more damage.
Another way to protect plants is by watering them a day or two before the frost is expected. Wet soil will hold more heat than soil that is dry. However, do not saturate the plants while the temperatures are extremely low, as this will result in frost heave and ultimately injure the plants. Light watering in the evening hours, before temperatures drop, will help raise humidity levels and reduce frost damage.
3. Mulch your flowerbeds and plants well to keep plant roots insulated.