The Good: Winter Protection

As temperatures drop, providing protection to all our plants, which moderates temperature swings, helps plants get through the winter and emerge stronger in the spring.

Protection for Plants in the Ground

Protection can take several forms, but the one that helps 24X7 is mulch. Mulch helps keep the warmth of the soil from radiating into the air, thus keeping the plant’s roots warmer. A thick layer of mulch over the root area of a plant can also protect the crown of perennial plants that die back during cold weather. Fallen leaves make great mulch and will ultimately break down and improve the soil. The Comal County brush recycling center on Hwy 46 provides free shredded tree and brush mulch. And, of course, various mulches are available from garden centers. (Mulch can stay in place year-round – in the summer, it keeps the soil cooler and helps reduce water loss.)

Watering plants helps protect them, too, because water holds warmth and releases it more slowly than plant surfaces or air. Our recent dry spell means that many of our plants are sitting in relatively dry soil, which tends to get cold faster than moist soil. Watering plants before freezing weather arrives can help keep the roots from being damaged.

“Frost blankets” made of spun fibers, not clear plastic, can provide additional protection for plants. These lightweight covers can help keep the soil’s warmth around the plants. The covers are placed over the plants and pinned or weighted to keep the edges in contact with the soil. There is some maintenance involved, as they should be pulled back on warm days.

Finally, before fertilizing or pruning plants in the fall, consider whether those activities will stimulate new growth, which will be more susceptible to freeze damage.

Protection for Plants in Pots

Plants in pots are more susceptible to freezing weather because the exposed sides of the pots radiate heat more rapidly than plants in the ground. Potted plants should be brought into a protected area such as the house, garage or greenhouse. If no indoor area is available, it may help to group them together and protect them by surrounding with mulch, watering them and using frost blankets.

When bringing plants indoors, avoid bringing the pests they are likely harboring. For a few days before bringing plants indoors, spray them daily with an organic soap, then quarantine them for a while so any pests they bring with them can be eliminated before they attack your houseplants.

More Information on protecting plants during cold weather is available at this link:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/docs/FrostsandFreezes.pdf