Plant Prep for Frost
By Maddy Hogan
Frost advisories typically occur in the late fall and early spring as the seasons are shifting in and out of winter. Temperatures can be anywhere from 32 degrees to 36 degrees Fahrenheit for frost to occur, it doesn’t necessarily need to drop below freezing temperatures. When the temperatures drop below 32, that can cause a freeze which can cause more devastating damage than a frost.
Tropical and subtropical plants that have spent warmer months outdoors can be impacted during frosts, but there are several ways to combat potential damage.
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Water plants thoroughly. Wet soil is capable of holding significantly more heat than dry soil. This heat will rise to the top soil layer, approximately 2-3 inches deep, and warm the layer exposed to the frost. Watering in combination with a blanket or sheet covering will help create a warmer and more humid environment to prevent frost damage.
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Cover plants with a blanket or sheet. Loosely cover plants with old blankets, sheets, or towels and ensure that the covering reaches the ground on all sides of the plant. This creates an insulation barrier around the plant, and when paired with thorough watering, will allow the plant to retain heat and humidity to ward off frost. During an extended cold front, it is important to remove any plant coverings during the day as the insulation effect can create too warm of an environment and cause plants to overheat.
- Move plants indoors or under covered areas. For easy to move plants, bring the pots into your home, greenhouse or garden shed, or garage. Any form of insulation will prevent frost from impacting your tropical and subtropical plants, so even moving plants from full exposure to under an awning or overhang can reduce the negative impact of frost.
These quick tips can help you prepare and prevent damage to your tropical and subtropical outdoor plants. A combination of these will reduce chances of frost damage to plants and overall impact to your plants growth. Stay up to date on weather alerts for your local zones to make sure you are covering your plants when the temperature drops!
