Extreme Freeze is Coming
12:00 AM - Jan 06, 2010
We've been pretty lucky for the last couple of winters here in Austin. We haven't had a truly "hard" freeze, especially here in town. Well, that all going to change tomorrow and later this week. Lows in the teens are forecast, even in town. Here are a few things you can do to try and mitigate the damage that may occur.
You may notice I said mitigate. You are going to get freeze damage on some of your plants. It is almost unavoidable. For most of our native plants, it is just a part of the cycle of life. Consider it nature's way of pruning back. Yes, you may lose a plant or two (or several in my case, I've got a thing for those darn tropicals). But we will also be "losing" lots of mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests that have done so well with the relatively mild winters of the last couple of years. If you have read this far, it tells me that your are really concerned and yes, you should protect your plants. Our unwritten policy here at the nursery ;if someone calls to ask if they should protect, then they should.
Mulch- a thick layer of mulch is the best way to protect the roots of a plant. 4"-6" is not too much and could be the difference between life and death for tender perennials and sub-tropicals. Yes, the top may freeze, but the roots will hopefully survive and regrow this spring. Be sure to mark your calender to remove the excess mulch in early March so plants can "break through".
Cover- this will be moderately successful in the teens, but sometimes it's the best we can do. Covering a plant, as best you can, will help to reduce burn from frost, ice, and very cold wind. This can get difficult on larger plants however. Sometimes you can only cover the bulk of the plant, with some longer growths having to tough it out outside the wrap. DO NOT cover with plastic only. It can actually make matters worse. A thin, woven material such as N-Sulate, burlap, or an old sheet is best. Plastic can be put over the cloth, but be sure there is a layer of cloth between the plant and the plastic. If plastic is used, be sure to remove it as soon as temps go back up. Otherwise, plants may be "baked" in the wrap.
Heat- This is another tricky one. The best way to add supplemental heat to a plant is through the use of small strings of Christmas lights. These little guys produce a low level of heat in numerous areas and can be wrapped around the trunks or hearts of plant to increase temps. A low level, single light bulb can also be somewhat useful, but be careful not to burn or start a fire with too high a wattage or by having it too close to the plant. Here is one of the only place where going green is no good. Compact florescent bulbs and LED Christmas light produce little to no heat and won't help.
Acceptance- You are going to lose a plant or two (maybe more). "The best laid plans or mice and men..." as they say. Just keep in mind that many plants will be frozen to the ground and go dormant. I don't give up on a plant until it is mid-March (even later for some, like Pride of Barbados, Firebush, or Esparanza) and no signs of life have emerged. Yes, we hate to lose a plant, but look at it as an opportunity to try something new next spring and change the garden up a bit. It is also a great opportunity to report what happened at websites like Dave's Garden, where survived freeze levels are noted.
So good luck over the next few nights. While plants are important to us, be sure to protect your pets, pipes, and elderly or incapable neighbors, and yourself first. And if you do lose a bunch of plants, I know a great place to get new ones next spring!!!
