Cold Weather Plant Care
Winter weather is making its rare appearance here in DeBary, and while our version of "cold"
may not rival the snowstorms up north, it can still be a little tough on your garden! Some of our favorite plants just aren’t built for chilly nights, especially when temperatures dip below 40°F as they have been lately. So, let’s talk about how to keep your garden thriving during this frosty weather!
When Do Plants Need Protection?
The magic number to watch for is 40°F. When the temperature starts to dip that low, it’s time to take action. Freezing temperatures—anything 32°F or lower—are especially harmful to many plants, causing damage that might not show up until days later. Be proactive by checking local weather forecasts and prepping ahead of any frost advisories.
Which Plants Need Extra Care?
Here in DeBary, we’re lucky to enjoy a variety of lush, beautiful plants year-round. But some of our favorite greenery isn’t a fan of the cold. Keep an eye on these common Florida plants:
Tropical Favorites: Banana trees, hibiscus, bird of paradise, and bougainvillea are stunning but cold-sensitive. Protect them when temperatures fall below 40°F.
Tender Annuals: Flowers like petunias, impatiens, and marigolds are delicate and can suffer in frosty conditions.
Young Fruit Trees: Newly planted citrus, mango, and avocado trees need extra love in their first few years.
Vegetables and Herbs: Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil are especially vulnerable to frost damage.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Plants
Don’t worry—you don’t need fancy equipment or hours of effort to shield your plants. Here are some simple tips to keep your garden safe:
Cover Up: Use old sheets, blankets, or special frost cloth to cover plants when temperatures drop. Just avoid plastic covers—they can trap moisture and actually make things worse.
Water Ahead of Time: Watering your plants during the day before a cold night can help. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, offering a little extra warmth.
Mulch for Warmth: Adding a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants helps insulate their roots from the cold.
Bring Them Indoors: If you’ve got potted plants, move them inside or to a sheltered spot, like a porch or garage.
Soak Up the Sun: Once the sun comes up and the temperature rises, uncover your plants to let them soak up the warmth and light.
Post Freeze Care: After a freeze, assess your plants but delay pruning damaged areas until new growth emerges. This allows you to determine the extent of the damage and promotes healthier recovery.
A Few Extra Tips
Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect—they’ll keep each other warm.
Keep an eye on tropical plants especially; they’re the most likely to struggle during a cold snap.
If you’re new to gardening, start small! Focus on protecting your most vulnerable or valuable plants first.
Stay Warm, DeBary!
Cold weather in Florida doesn’t last long, but it can still do a number on our gardens if we’re not careful. A little prep goes a long way in keeping your plants happy and healthy. So, grab those blankets, mulch, and a cup of hot cocoa (for yourself), and let’s get through this cold snap together!
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