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5 Tips on How to Protect Plants from Frost and Cold Snaps

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Landscape Plants, Acworth, GA The weather can change anytime. It’s sunny and pleasant today and the next day you may have frost. You never know when things can change, especially in Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Your plants need protection from frost and cold snaps, and it is important to take timely steps to prevent frost damage, root damage, or frost cracks. At The Dreamscapes Design Build Maintain, we have some valuable tips to help you protect your landscaping when the temperature suddenly falls, and you have a frost or freeze forecast.

1. Move Your Container Garden Indoors

If possible, bring your container garden indoors. This includes any plants that may still be in nursery containers. Move them into:
  • The garage
  • The garden shed
  • A porch with a roof
It is not necessary to move them into a heated space. When the temperatures get closer to freezing, you should ensure insulated indoor storage.

2. Use Water to Create Moderate Temperatures

If you have a forecast for frost, water the soil before sunset. This can help raise the air temperature overnight around plants.
  • Fill out buckets or jugs with water and place them out in the sun
  • At night, place the water close to more vulnerable plants
The water will help moderate the air temperatures. Even if the water freezes, it is going to release heat. You can paint the water-holding containers black during the daytime to increase the heating effect.

3. Use Old Blankets & Large Towels

Use old blankets, bedspreads, and large towels to drape over the plants using stakes. The plant cover must extend to the ground to provide reasonable insulation. If there is wind, make sure the fabric is anchored to the ground with the help of something heavy.

If required, place plastic sheets atop the fabric to protect against precipitation. Make sure the coverings are removed by mid-day to prevent plants from overheating.

4. Ensure Airflow

It is still cold air that does most of the damage to plants. So, it is important to ensure there is airflow to prevent frost from forming on the plants. This can be done by using an electric fan. Make sure that the electrical connections are protected from moisture.

5. Add a Thick Layer of Mulch

You can create a thick layer of mulch to insulate tender plants. If you have a forecast of frost, cover the plants with compost or shredded bark the night before. As with the blankets, make sure the mulch is removed as the conditions become warm.

However, you cannot use this strategy when you have larger plants and larger planting areas. This is recommended only when you need to protect a smaller area and the plants are short and tender.

So, follow these tips to protect your plants from frost and cold snaps. For more information about garden and lawn care, feel free to get in touch with us at The Dreamscapes Design Build Maintain.

You can give us a call at 678-574-4008 or write to us.
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