We are expecting a freeze this weekend! Our friends at Homework Solutions have some great ways to protect your home from the plummeting temperatures. Once you've got that handled, it's time to think about your plants. We have some simple steps to shield your plants from the harsh weather.
- Bring any potted plants inside, if you are able to. Make sure they are in a sunny window and leave them indoors as long as the temperature is at or below freezing. Because they are in pots, their roots are less insulated than underground plants which puts them at a higher risk.
- If you are unable to bring potted plants inside, you can cover them with a blanket or cloth. Secure covering with duct tape, rocks, bricks or anything heavy. You want to trap the heat in and keep the wind out, so simply draping won't be as effective. Remove or vent covers during the day if the weather is warm.
- Don't use plastic. Any part of the plant that touches the plastic, can freeze to it.
- For more severe freezes or prolonged temperatures below freezing, providing a heat source under the cover improves protection. Wrap or drape the plant with strings of small outdoor Christmas lights before you cover it. The traditional lights, not the new LED ones, will generate some heat.
- Make sure plants are well watered prior to the freeze to prevent added stress. If the freeze is predicted that night, water earlier in the day.
- You can protect plants that are in the ground by placing four inches of mulch over the soil and around the base of these plants. The mulch acts like a blanket and traps the heat. Pine straw is best, since it stays fairly loose, which improves it's insulating qualities.
Now that your home and plants are ready for the freeze, it's time to get yourself ready. Grab some hot-chocolate and a cozy blanket and enjoy the snow!
No comments:
Post a Comment