Protecting Plants during Cold Weather
If the weather suddenly turns cold, tender plants may need special protection to avoid damage from freezing temperatures. There are several ways you can provide winter protection, including mulching, covering the plants, or moving them.
MULCHING is one of the best ways to protect plant
roots. Compost, bark mulch, straw, and leaves are commonly used.
Mulch should be applied to about 2 inches in depth. Keep
away from the trunk or main stems of trees and shrubs. Except for
roses and cane berries, where the mulch is actually mounded over
the canes. After danger of frost has passed in spring, pull the
mulching materials away.
COVERING is an effective way of
protecting the foliage of broadleaf evergreen shrubs from winter
damage. Rhododendrons, camellias, and others often benefit
from being covered with some type of cloth material ( burlap,
old blankets, fleece, or Reemay) during extremely
cold weather to protect from drying winds and sun scald.  Place three
or four stakes around the plant to be protected, then wrap material
over the stakes, being careful that the cloth does not come in contact
and freeze onto the leaves. Do not use polyethylene sheeting
as it acts much like a greenhouse, taking plants from nightly lows
to high daily temperature in a relatively short time period. This
rapid temperature change can cause serious freeze damage or may be
fatal to plants. Any
type of covering should only be left in place during the cold spell.
As soon as the weather moderates or it begins to rain, remove the
covering completely. However, leave the stakes in case it gets cold
again.
CONTAINERS: Plants in containers are more likely
to freeze than those in the ground. The easiest way to provide
winter protection for containers is to simply move them into an unheated
garage during a cold spell, once the weather improves, put them back
outside. Do not leave the planted containers inside all winter, unless
you have a greenhouse or sunroom. Clustering your pots along the
foundation of your house together also provides protection
and shelter. If the planted container is too large to move during
cold weather, you can mulch around the sides of the container to
keep it from freezing. Simply mound compost or straw up around the
sides of the pot, or wrap the container with bubble wrap or insulation
to protect the root ball. Water container plants if a freeze is expected.
WATERING: For plants located under the eaves of
the house, container gardens, or tall evergreens where the soil is
likely to dry out, check the soil moisture monthly as they may need
watering, even in winter. A dry plant is more easily damaged by the
cold.
Winter Protection for Evergreens
 Use
Wilt-Stop to prevent the drying of needles and evergreen
leaves. It works great on Boxwood, Rhododendrons, Arborvitae, Alberta
spruce, and all broad-leaf evergreens. Use now and also apply a
second application when we have a mild day in January or February.
(Above 45 degrees.)
Wilt-Stop is also great for preserving your fresh holiday greens as it prevents them from drying out too fast. Apply as a spray in the convenient ready-to-use bottle to all your Holiday greens!
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