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Mild winters can feel like a gift to gardeners. Roses leaf out. Salvias hold their foliage. And perennials act as if spring has arrived. But don\u2019t think winter is over. As witnessed recently, warm spells often set the stage for one of north central Texas\u2019 challenging gardening realities \u2014 sudden temperature drops and hard freezes!<\/p>\n
It is not the cold alone that damages gardens. It is the rapid back-and-forth between warm and freezing weather that stresses many plants. The shifts confuse growth cycles and weaken long-term performance. Extended warm periods encourage plants to break dormancy early. New growth\u2014 soft stems, fresh leaves and swelling buds are far more vulnerable to freezing temperatures than hardened, dormant tissue.<\/p>\n
When a sudden freeze follows weeks of mild weather, plants may suffer dieback, split stems or root damage that does not become obvious until spring. Perennials, shrubs and even well-established natives can be affected, especially younger plants or those or growing in exposed locations. Gardeners must act to protect the life and quality of their gardens during unpredictable conditions. Defensive strategies include mulch, cover, strategic watering and delayed clean-up.<\/p>\n
Mulch is an effective tool for modifying soil temperature. A 2-4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, acts as insulation, slowing down rapid soil temperature swings. Mulch keeps roots cool and dormant when air temperatures rise. And during freezes, it protects roots from sudden cold. Be sure to pull mulch slightly away from the base of plants or from atop plant crowns to prevent rot during damp, cold weather.<\/p>\n
When freezing temperatures are forecast, temporary plant covers can make a significant difference. Frost cloths, old sheets or lightweight blankets trap the heat rising from the soil, which moderates temperatures surrounding plants. Covers should be secured to the ground to prevent
wind from blowing them away. Avoid plastic covers. If they touch plant foliage, the plastic can conduct cold and cause burning. If using plastic, keep it elevated with stakes or hoops. Remove covers during the day once the temperatures rise to prevent overheating and moisture buildup, especially during sunny winter afternoons.<\/p>\n
Watering strategically protects plants. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Timing is important. Irrigate plants one-to-two days before a hard freeze. Do not overwater. Plant roots do not appreciate saturated soil. The moisture will help moderate soil temperatures and protect roots. This is especially helpful for young plants and winter annuals. Avoid overhead watering just before temperatures drop below freezing as ice formation on foliage increases damage.<\/p>\n
In mild winters, it is tempting to tidy landscape beds early. However, leaving perennials slightly messy can provide protection. Spent leaves, old stems and foliage help shield crowns from cold. It also helps to trap insulating air around plants. Delay hard pruning of salvias, lantana, ornamental grasses and tender perennials until late winter or early spring. Premature pruning can expose living tissue to further damage.<\/p>\n
Remember, not all parts of the garden experience cold equally. Walls, fences and paved areas absorb and radiate heat, offering natural protection. Grouping containers and tender plants near these warmer areas can reduce cold exposure. Conversely, cold settles in low lying areas, which are more prone to frost. Be especially vigilant about protecting plants in these areas.<\/p>\n
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can weaken plants even if they survive the winter. Healthy soil, good drainage and proper planting depths all contribute to resilience. Avoid late-season fertilizing during mild winters as it encourages tender growth that is easily damaged by cold. Choosing plants well-suited to the area and accepting a bit of winter dieback as normal goes a long
way toward maintaining strong, long-lived gardens.<\/p>\n
Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster<\/p>\n
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Mild winters can feel like a gift to gardeners. Roses leaf out. Salvias hold their foliage. And perennials act as if spring has arrived. But don\u2019t think winter is over. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardenpatch"],"yoast_head":"\n