How to Protect Your Plants in a Freeze

Winter weather can pose challenges for gardeners, particularly when unexpected freezes jeopardize the health of your plants. Safeguarding your greenery during a freeze doesn’t have to be complex, and with the right strategies, you can shield both your outdoor and indoor plants. 

Protecting Your Plants Before a Freeze

Freezing temperatures can harm or destroy plants by affecting their cellular structure, leading to browning, wilting, or complete loss. Taking appropriate measures before and during a freeze helps keep your garden vibrant and your indoor plants thriving.

Prepare Your Garden Before Winter Arrives

• Choose freeze-resistant plants: If your garden often experiences freezing temperatures, consider planting resilient perennials and native Mid-South species. We can suggest the most suitable options for your yard.
• Invest in professional landscaping services: At Rich-Way Landscape, our skilled landscapers design your garden with freeze protection in focus. We consider everything from choosing suitable plants to building windbreaks and microclimates, ensuring your outdoor area is both stunning and resilient.

Shield Outdoor Plants from Frost

• Use mulch to insulate your roots: Covering the base of outdoor plants with 2-3 inches of mulch insulates their roots and keeps frost from reaching the soil.
• Cover plants with fabric or frost blankets: Shielding plants from frost is essential. Cover susceptible plants with frost cloths, old sheets, or burlap. Refrain from using plastic, as it traps moisture and can cause freezing. Anchor the covers to the ground to maintain warmth.
• Water plants before a freeze: Moist soil holds heat more effectively than dry soil. Watering your plants a day before a freeze can establish a shield of warmth around the roots. However, take care not to overwater since overly wet roots may cause rot.
• Group potted plants together: Relocate potted plants nearer to your home or into sheltered spots. Grouping them creates mutual insulation and lessens their exposure to wind chill.
• Prune only when necessary: Refrain from heavy pruning just before a freeze. Pruning encourages growth, potentially increasing plants’ vulnerability to frost damage.

Emergency Freeze Solutions

If a sudden freeze is forecasted:

• Bring small plants indoors: Potted plants can be placed in garages, sheds, or any space with a stable temperature.
• Use string lights: Wrap outdoor plants with non-LED string lights to provide gentle warmth.

Indoor Plant Care During Freezing Weather

• Move plants away from windows: Cold drafts from windows can damage delicate indoor plants. Relocate them to a warmer spot where they receive indirect sunlight.
• Avoid overwatering: During colder months, indoor plants require less water. Excessive watering can cause root rot, particularly if the plant is already struggling with temperature fluctuations.
• Monitor humidity levels: Heating during winter can lead to dry air indoors. Place a dehumidifier nearby to help your plants flourish, or gently mist them to maintain proper humidity levels.
• Inspect for temperature sensitivity: Certain houseplants, especially tropical ones, are highly sensitive to cold. Ensure these plants are placed in a room where the temperature stays above 65 degrees.

Keep Your Garden Thriving Year-Round

At Rich-Way Landscape, we focus on crafting landscapes that endure seasonal challenges. Our team offers freeze-resistant designs and expert guidance to help your garden thrive year-round. Here are several key advantages of winterizing your plants:

• Prevent costly plant replacements
• Keep your landscape attractive all year round
• Promote healthier growth for your plants in spring

By following our carefully curated expert tips, your plants can successfully weather even the harshest and most unforgiving conditions.