Protect Your Plants from Winter Chill

Protect Your Plants from Winter Chill

During spells of cold weather, it is advised to protect your plants from potential foliage and root system damage.  Cold can affect plants in two ways.  Sudden drops in temperature to below freezing can cause ice crystals to form in the plants cells causing them to burst, resulting in die-back or death. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below the plants’ preferred temperature range can cause them to dry out or desiccate, since the plant loses its ability to carry out its natural processes of water and nutrient movement throughout the plant. It does not need to be below freezing for this type of damage to occur. 

Many plants grown in the Bay Area can be affected by the temperature drops below freezing, especially those native to the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand.  Tropical plants, citrus, and the like can be affected by prolonged exposure to temperatures in the upper 30’s to low 40’s.  It is best to protect both types of susceptible plants by covering them at night when it is forecasted to be below freezing. To protect those tender plants that are damaged at temperatures above freezing use an anti-transpiration spray to keep them from drying out. 

• Spray Protection: Spray an anti-transpirant on plants to help retain moisture in leaves by increasing cuticle thickness.  We carry Cloud Cover by Easy Gardener and Moisturize by Messinas. These sprays coat the plant in a protective barrier which temporarily locks the moisture in the leaf of the plant. This will need to be reapplied after periods of extended rain. 

• Cover Protection: Use commercial products or household breathable fabrics such as blankets or sheets.  We carry a variety of products designed to cover and protect plants from the cold. Many of these products are designed in a manner that they can be left in place for the duration of the freezing temperatures.  Blankets, plastic and other household materials should be removed during the day to protect from overheating and burning. 

• Protective Covers 

• Wraps for Shrubs and Trees 

• Twist Up Tomato Cloche 

• Tunnels 

• Hanging Plant Basket Covers 

Other protection techniques to consider include: 

• Move Potted Plants: Move potted plants indoors, onto a porch or next to a structure. 

• Water: Water in the morning to raise air temperature. 

• Mulch: Add mulch to retain heat and moisture to protect the root system. 

• Structural Cover: Cover plants with commercial or household items such as cloche, storage bins and milk jugs.