Plants need protection now

The frosty dips in temperature come after a warm fall brought new, tender growth.

By LOGAN NEILL, Times Staff Writer
Published December 18, 2007

Though Hernando County residents shouldn't expect the area's first big cold snap of the winter to wreak much havoc with plants, they might consider it a mild warning for what could be around the corner.

"As far as freezes go, this one isn't so bad," said Jim Moll, urban horticultural agent for the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service. "But people might want to consider that this could be just the beginning. We still have at least three more months before frost isn't a threat anymore."

Brooksville reached a low of 29 degrees Sunday night. Monday night temperatures were expected to hover around 30 degrees, with below-freezing temperatures lasting three to four hours. By noon today, temperatures are expected to rebound into the upper 60s.

Although the cold isn't severe enough to cause major damage to plants, Chris Keister of Save On Nursery & Landscaping west of Brooksville said that recent warm and dry conditions have made certain plants more susceptible to even a minor freeze.

"We've been spoiled this year with all the warm weather," Keister said. "Though it's good for plant growth, it creates another potential problem: New growth on any plant will burn if it gets below freezing."

Although there are a variety of methods to keep plants safe from frost damage, Moll says that simple efforts tend to work best for most home gardeners.

Moll's suggestions:

-Avoid watering or fertilizing plants until the threat of freeze passes.

-Despite their popularity and attractiveness, tropical plants such as hibiscuses, alamandas and crotons are not native to Hernando County. Without assistance, they are likely to face damage and may even die during a hard freeze. Moll suggests keeping tropical and cold-sensitive plants in pots so they can be easily brought indoors.

-Under the threat of a freeze, residents should cover outdoor plants with breathable cloth, not plastic. Old blankets, sheets or frost blankets work well as long as they completely tent the plant all the way to the ground to trap heat. A "lollipop" wrap that covers the leaves but ties off at the stem will do no good. Stakes driven into the ground are recommended to create a tent that doesn't touch sensitive leaves. In a pinch, Moll said, even an upturned cardboard box or garbage can will protect a plant overnight. Ideally, plants should be covered only as needed, and the covers removed when the frost has passed.

-If a plant is damaged by freeze, Moll recommends not trimming or pruning it until the threat of future frosts passes. Pruning too early can subject the plant to more damage should below-freezing temperatures return.

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 352 848-1435.

[Last modified December 17, 2007, 20:02:06]