Cold-weather tips for plant care

Nothing strikes fear in a gardener’s heart like the words “hard frost.” With a cold snap upon us, winter may be giving up a preview of what’s to come. Try these quick tips to protect your plants:

• Temperatures dropping
• Photos
• Lawn sprinklers create icy roads: Turn them off
• More weather information
• Harvest any lettuce now as it won’t survive.
• Bring your smaller container plants, especially succulents, indoors.
• To prevent heat loss from sides of containers, push together large outdoor pots and wrap the bases with plastic, burlap or a blanket.
• Mulch or cover plants with straw, blankets or cardboard.
• Don’t worry if plant leaves wilt; they protect themselves against cold by dehydrating themselves. Give it time and most will perk back up.
• Keep plants watered at the base before a hard freeze; moist soil absorbs more heat and can help protect plants.
• Make sure newly planted evergreens are well watered throughout the winter because they will dry out.
• If possible, create a shield next to your plants to protect from damaging winds.
• A freeze shouldn’t hurt a rain barrel unless it’s filled to the brim; use water on your plants prior to frost.
• Take water timers (attached to faucets) indoors as they can be damaged by frost.
• If you see damage from frost (black or purple flaccid leaves or stems), particularly on woody perennials, wait until the spring to prune so as to not shear off healthy tissue.

Source: Walter Reeves, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension Service