SAN ANTONIO \u2013 A hard freeze is headed for San Antonio this weekend, and it could undo hours of yard work \u2014 and money \u2014 homeowners have recently invested in their landscapes.<\/p>\n
Experts at Rainbow Gardens said how you prepare your plants before temperatures drop can make the difference between plants surviving the freeze or being lost.<\/p>\n
Cloth coverings work best for protecting plants from freezing temperatures. Frost cloth, sheets, blankets or even cardboard can help trap warmth close to the plant.<\/p>\n
Plastic bags and plastic tarps should be avoided. They can trap moisture and cause plants to burn when temperatures drop below freezing.<\/p>\n
Experts recommend watering plants before a freeze, which helps insulate roots and protect them from extreme cold.<\/p>\n
Freshly planted plants need the most protection<\/p>\n
Newly planted flowers, shrubs and vegetables are the most vulnerable during a hard freeze. When in doubt, experts recommend covering them and watering them well ahead of the cold.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny fresh plantings \u2014 when in doubt \u2014 we always encourage go ahead and cover,\u201d said Robin Norton-Carranco, a nursery professional at Rainbow Gardens.<\/p>\n
Established natives, shrubs and trees should be completely fine. An established plant is something in the ground that has thrived and has established strong roots over the past two to three years.<\/p>\n
Some established plants may still need light protection, like some in-the-ground succulents and cacti.<\/p>\n
Prickly pear cactus planted in the ground can benefit from being covered and mulched during a hard freeze.<\/p>\n
\u201cCovering and mulching would be good,\u201d Norton-Carranco said.<\/p>\n
Established rose bushes typically don\u2019t need to be covered. A deep watering before the freeze is usually enough, with mulch added around the base for extra insulation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, deep watering is perfect. You can mulch around the roots if you\u2019d like to give them a little extra protection,\u201d Norton-Carranco said.<\/p>\n
Native plants may look brown this time of year, but experts say they\u2019re not dead \u2014 and they\u2019re built to survive winter weather. Gardeners are encouraged to leave native plants uncut until the threat of freezing temperatures has passed.<\/p>\n
Evergreen shrubs that have been planted for at least two to three years should also survive a freeze with minimal care.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvergreen shrubs should be just fine. Again, we\u2019re talking about established plants,\u201d Norton-Carranco said.<\/p>\n
The most sensitive plants: citrus and potted plants<\/p>\n
Citrus trees are the most sensitive plants during a freeze. Experts say citrus should be brought indoors whenever possible. <\/p>\n
Citrus planted in the ground should be covered heavily but may not survive prolonged freezing temperatures.<\/p>\n
Sago palms planted in the ground should survive the cold, though they may turn brown temporarily and recover in the spring. <\/p>\n
However, any plants in pots \u2014 including palms \u2014 should be brought indoors.<\/p>\n
Read also:<\/p>\n
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