Plant Protection
Expert tips to protect your plants in cold weather
We love the cozy attitude that emerges in the winter months. However the icy weather also signals the need to take care of outdoor landscaping. Depending on the temperature, plants are susceptible to frost damage or freezing, and if the weather is especially arctic, they can even perish.
To help you protect your plants during cold snaps, we’ve compiled a few tips from gardening and plant experts.
In the zone
Each plant has what’s called a hardiness rating, according to Gardening Know How, which determines the best climate or geographic area for growth. The experts recommend only planting within your growing zone. (The USDA Map of Texas Growing Zones can be found here.)
Dallas is in Zone 8a, and the Old Farmer’s Almanac has an alphabetical list of the garden plants that thrive in our zone. Further, some of the best bushes for Zone 8a include holly, juniper and roses, according to Shrub Source.
A real cover-up
Some trees, such as Cleveland pears, dogwoods and sycamores, flourish in Zone 8a, while other trees and greenery need warmth and protection. Fine Gardening advises covering these tender plants or trees with a burlap wrap. Also, Fine Gardening suggests watering the ground before a freeze and covering the beds with two to four inches of mulch to provide insulation.
Blanket protection
Another idea so simple that some people may overlook: Drape plants with household sheets or blankets. Like the burlap wrap, the fabric helps to keep cold winds away and conserve the warm air. Marin Master Gardeners also suggest using an anti-transpirant, which is a liquid that’s sprayed onto plant leaves and stems to help hold in moisture to protect the plant. You can purchase this product at most nurseries.
Consult the experts
For specific questions about a certain plant or gardening technique, we propose you speak with experts who specialize in green thumbs. Dallas has a fantastic lineup of nurseries and garden centers such as Nicholson Hardie that are enthusiastic about helping.
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