While some plants, such as vegetables, herbs, and shrubs, thrive in colder climates, others, such as those that are more tropical or subtropical, struggle.
According to Horticulture at UF/IFAS Extension Bay County’s Julie McConnell, “if it says it can’t tolerate below 50 degrees, then as the temperature drops you want to try to bring it indoors.”
Impatiens, marigolds, tropicals, basil, tomatoes, and peppers are among the most typical plants that require protection.
McConnell stated, “If they still have if you have fruit on a tree, then you might want to try to harvest it because it will damage the quality if it gets cold enough and stays cold enough to freeze the fruit.”
According to Mcconnell, bringing your plants inside is the safest option.
In the event that that is impractical, covering the plants with a flimsy, non-plastic sheet or cover can assist with saving your nursery.
McConnell stated, “I would just cover the plant and then use some little bricks or rocks or something to weigh it down just so that it won’t fly away in the wind and just helps to trap that heat.” The following day, when the sun comes out, I want to make sure to take it off so it doesn’t get too hot.
A typical mix-up individuals make is getting the covering around the plant like a candy. The heat that is rising from the ground cannot reach the plant as a result of this.
McConnell stated, “You can actually have some ice formation that could cause some damage to the foliage or the flowers” if the condensation gets in and freezes.
McConnell advised against over-saturating your plants with regrowth products if they have been affected by the cold. Rather, the best thing you can do is ensure that they have enough water.
You can send a picture of your plants to the UF/IFAS Extension (email) if you are having trouble determining whether or not they are susceptible to the cold. They will assist you in determining the best course of action.
