Protect your plants from spring frost!

Warmer Spring temps came earlier this year and some plants like redbud, forsythia and ornamental cherry have already started to bloom, but winter is making one last appearance.  Friday morning there is a high chance of snow, and that night will dip down below 20°F.  There is also some snow in the forecast for next Tuesday. Many people ask what the best methods are for making sure that the frost doesn’t damage their newly blossoming plants. The plants will survive the cold temps. The damage might be the lost of blossoms that have already opened. I believe, since we haven’t had many days at the warmer temps, that most buds are still dormant and should come through the cold just fine. The spring bulbs should so fine as well. I am not sure what the redbud blossoms that are open already will do. If you can, protect your plants that have started to bloom.

Here are some of the best ways to protect your spring blooming plants from the upcoming frost!

1. Cover them up!
   Providing your plant with insulation will ensure that the plant cells stay warm enough to make it through the night.  This will keep them from losing the heat they stored up through the day, as well as trap heat that rises from the soil.
   -Use a sheet.  Drape a light fabric sheet over larger plants or groupings of plants.
   -Cover with a plastic pot. This is a great use for those plastic pots that come with plants from the store.  Just turn them upside down and put them over small plants that can stand up to the weight of a linen.
   -Use sheets of plastic. Cover small or larger plants with a thin plastic sheet.  This method will also allow the plants to still catch sun if it isn’t too cloudy.
   -Cups, bins, cloches, and bowls all work great if flipped upside down
2. Water thoroughly
   Make sure to give your plants lots of water before 8 PM the night of the frost.  Frost will dry plants out, so they need as much warm water as they can get!
3. Remove any coverings at sunrise.
   Make sure the plants are uncovered by 8 AM! This will make sure that the plants don’t lose any chance for sunlight, as well as keeping them from overheating in the enclosed space.

These methods offer limited protection, but they could be the difference between losing your early spring blossoms or enjoying the bloom.

What ways do you use to protect your plants?  Let us know!

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