With winter comes the spread of the dreaded frost. Though it may make your yard look like an icy wonderland, your plants won’t enjoy paradise. In fact, they may wither away or face a frozen fate. If you want to start protecting your outdoor plants from frost, then make sure to try out these helpful preservation methods.
- Keep an eye on the weekly and daily weather report. Sometimes cold weather strikes before we expect it. Luckily, most weather stations, websites, and apps have frost warnings, which can come in handy. Besides, it’s helpful to check the weather each day so you know how to dress—and that you don’t forget your umbrella!
- Water at the appropriate time. Did you know that you’re supposed to water before a frost? This may seem strange, as when water freezes, it turns into ice. However, by hydrating your plants before the frost strikes, you’re actually giving them the tools to survive. The water will help them remain hardy, protecting them from negative effects.
- Create cover. Though it’s impossible to stop frost in its tracks, you can still help combat its effects. Instead of wishing to change the weather, counter it. Utilize baskets, newspapers, or other forms of coverage to fully protect your plants. If you have a large number of plants—and little time—make more expensive, fragile plants a priority, especially perennials. Finally, make sure you complete this task before the evening strikes.
- Dress up your fruit-bearing trees in burlap. Shield your trees from harm with a burlap cover, which you can wind around their bases. Take care not to cover their limbs, though!
- Help your potted plants take shelter. If you’re worried about any of your potted plants—and you have room for them—try and take them inside. You can even put them in your closed garage, although it’s wise to note that it may get colder in there overnight than it will inside your house.
- Don’t put too much mulch in your yard. As you’re protecting your outdoor plants from frost, you may think that mulch is great heat insulation. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. On the contrary, mulch can make it easier for frost to thrive. When you’re putting it into your garden, you ideally should mulch in the warmer seasons. Otherwise, it could contribute to cold, frost-susceptible plants.
- Seal holes and depressions in the earth. With empty space comes an invitation for frost to follow. Instead of leaving holes and depressions in the earth, make sure you’ve sealed them up with dirt.
Winter means the arrival of holidays, roaring fires and sometimes even snow in the South. Much to the upset of your outdoor plants, it also means the arrival of blistering cold frost. However, you have the knowledge to start protecting your outdoor plants from frost. After the iciest season ends, you can relax under the trees, till the soil, and cut fresh flowers, all because you prevented the negative effects of frost.
Need more heavy-duty help? At Meadows Farm Equipment, we have a diverse inventory of chainsaws, mowers, and blowers to keep your yard in tip-top shape. Call us at 256-357-2118 or come visit us in Wedowee. To become a yard care expert, check out our blog.
Meadows Farm Equipment is proud to serve Wedowee and the surrounding community for its small engines and power equipment needs. Come see us today on County Road 811 in Wedowee, or visit us at www.meadowsfarmequipment.com!