Protecting your Outdoor Plants in a Winter Cold Snap
The cold and snow is turning out to be a lot more severe than originally predicted, and of lingering duration
1. Insulating Properties of Snow
The layer of snow acts as an insulator for the landscape, making this cold spell less concerning since many plants have already entered dormancy due to last week’s weather conditions. The projected low temperature is anticipated to drop to 19°F, which, while chilly, is considerably warmer than last winter’s extreme low of 4°F.
2. Resilience of Flowering Plants
Most flowering species can endure light freezes (temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s °F) and minimal snowfall. However, when temperatures fall below the mid-20s, many early-blooming varieties may experience significant damage or even death. Additionally, spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils that have fully emerged could also sustain frost damage.
3. Safeguarding Sensitive Plants
It is recommended to relocate vulnerable potted plants like olive trees, banana plants, or palms into a garage for several days during harsh weather conditions.
4. Soil Moisture Management
Prior to the arrival of cold weather, it is crucial to adequately water your plants; moist soil holds heat better than dry soil in freezing conditions.
5. Covering Delicate Plants
For newly-planted or borderline tender species, use mulch, pine straw, branches from Christmas trees, blankets, sheets, quilted covers, cloth drop cloths, or cardboard boxes for protection—be sure to remove these coverings before they are exposed to direct sunlight; this method becomes ineffective at temperatures below approximately 27°F.
6. Maintaining Water Features
To avoid cracking ceramic ponds from freezing temperatures, either drain the water features or connect an external heater designed for animal troughs via an extension cord and place it in your pond.
7. Using Electric Heating Mats
Electric soil heating mats can be beneficial when placed under pots containing typically hardy ornamental plants; they can also transform cold frames into miniature greenhouses for enhanced protection against harsh weather elements.
Call us today at 770-740-9739 or reach out to us at: https://crabapple.com/contact/
Latest Articles
