01/29/2022
FROST WARNING FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Frost and freezing conditions cause the water in plant cells to freeze, resulting in the cell wall being damaged. The most obvious, tell-tale signs of frost damage are blackened, distorted or limp growth and a browning of the leaves of evergreen shrubs, which makes them look translucent. These issues are exacerbated by morning sun, causing rapid defrosting which can rupture the cell walls of plants. When the ground becomes frozen, the roots of even the toughest varieties become unable to absorb water, resulting in die-back due to a lack of moisture. Late frosts in spring can also damage flowers and fruit.
WINTER PLANT PROTECTION METHODS
Move plants in containers into protected areas where heat can be supplied or trapped. If you have to leave containers outdoors, push them together and protect with mulch to reduce heat loss from the container walls. (Note: Leaves of large canopy plants may be damaged if crowded together for extended periods.)
Heat radiates from soil surfaces during the night and is mainly lost to the atmosphere unless it is trapped. Reduce radiant heat loss and protect plant roots by placing mulch around the plants. For perennials, the root system is all that needs to be protected.
Coverings protect more from frost than from extreme cold. Covers that extend to the ground and do not touch plant foliage can lessen cold injury trapping heat. However, be careful when putting using plastic as a cover because foliage that touches plastic coverings is often injured since the cover actually takes heat away from the plant.
EXAMPLES OF COVERINGS INCLUDE CLOTH SHEETS, QUILTS, PLASTIC, OR COMMERCIAL FROST CLOTHS. REMOVE PLASTIC COVERS DURING A SUNNY DAY OR PROVIDE VENTILATION TO KEEP THE AIR UNDER THE COVER FROM HEATING UP TOO MUCH. PUTTING A LIGHT BULB UNDER A COVER IS A SIMPLE METHOD OF PROVIDING HEAT TO ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE.
see more about Florida plants at https://bcfruittreesandlandscapingllc.com/
BC FRUIT TREES & LANDSCAPING LLC. offers FLOWERING PLANTS, PALMTREES, GARDEN SUPPLIES. Delivery and Installation available in CAPE CORAL.
