Now that winter has moved into the Charlotte area, you may want to protect your sensitive garden plants from frost and freezing temperatures. While many plants are hardy and can easily survive a Carolina winter it may be a good idea to help certain less hardy species to make it through the cold months unhurt.
Selecting plants that are hardy to our area will save you some winter time work. Plants that are hardy for growing in at least zone 8a will do just fine. Some of the Charlotte metro area falls into zone 7b, though erring on the side of caution and selecting hardier plants is always a good idea. You can find your hardiness zone here.
Some of the plants that are vulnerable to winter weather include:
- house plants
- tropical plants
- shrubs that bloom in spring
- citrus trees
Luckily there are some steps you can take to protect your tender plants from frost damage.
Bring plants indoors
Raising tender or tropical plants such as hibiscus in pots is a fantastic idea since that makes them mobile. They should be brought back inside before the first risk of freezing temperatures.
Water plants
Freezing temperatures and icy winds actually dry out plants (desiccation). Watering plants before frost hits helps them retain moisture.
Shelter or cover plants
As mentioned above, cold winds are bad news for plants so sheltering them under upside down containers or wrapping fabric or frost cloth around them is a great idea. Building a frame will keep the material away from plants and makes it easy to cover them in the evening and uncovering them in the morning.
And as always, please don’t hesitate asking our friendly garden center staff any gardening questions you may have!
Source: https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-protect-your-garden-from-frost-and-freeze/
