Cold-Protect Your Plants

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Posted by @ShadyGreenThumb on
When a rare freeze hits the Southern states, simple covers, such as sheets, may not be enough. Take a few extra steps to protect the most tender Tropical plants in the yard.

When the temperatures drop to below freezing and you want to protect your in-ground plants, covering with sheets may not be enough. Here is a handy way to keep your lovelies warm in those rare freezes in the Southern states. Your plants are an investment, not to mention probably favorites of yours. Take care of them by following these few simple steps. It is good to water your plants before a freeze, further insulating the roots against the cold.

A tropical plant like this one is often found outdoors in tropical gardens. They need protection in a freeze.

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If your plant is large, it may help to use bungee cords and loosely tie it up together to a manageable size.

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Open both ends of a cardboard box. Place a large box over the entire plant.

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Mulch up some leaves (I use my lawn mower).

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Fill the empty spaces in the box with your leaf mulch. Make sure there are no air pockets.

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Fold-lock the box closed when full. If rain is predicted, cover the box with plastic.

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While there is no guarantee that this will keep your plant alive in spite of Mother Nature's fierce winter forces, at least it will stand a better chance. Hints: You might also add old-fashioned, non-LED Christmas light strands around your plants to help keep the heat in without burning the foliage.

 
Comments and Discussion
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Fantastic! by mw236 Feb 1, 2014 11:21 AM 0
Very useful Tip by webesemps Jan 27, 2014 10:44 AM 5

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