01/07/2025
As Birmingham anticipates below average temperatures this week, it’s crucial to protect your plants from potential cold damage. Here’s how you can safeguard your garden:
Understanding Plant Hardiness
While recent cold spells have helped many plants enter dormancy, enhancing their resilience, temperatures dropping below 25°F can still harm tender species such as gardenias and podocarpus.
Effective Covering Techniques
• Avoid Light Coverings: Materials like blankets and sheets are good to protect against a light freeze and frost but offer minimal protection in severe cold and will not hold in warmth like plastic will.
• Proper Installation: Drape the cover loosely over the plant, ensuring it extends to the ground to trap warmth. Secure it with stakes or weights to prevent it from blowing away.
• Timely Removal: Once temperatures rise above 32°F, remove the coverings to allow plants to receive sunlight and prevent overheating.
Irrigation System Precautions
• Shut Off Water Supply: Turn off your irrigation system at the main source to prevent water from freezing within the pipes.
• Relieve Valve Pressure: After shutting off the main supply, run each zone of your system for at least five minutes using the controller. This step alleviates back pressure on the valves, reducing the risk of freeze damage.
Additional Plant Protection Tips
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to insulate roots and regulate soil temperature.
• Watering: Ensure soil is adequately moist before a freeze, as hydrated soil retains heat better than dry soil.
By following these guidelines, you can help your plants endure the upcoming cold snap and thrive in the seasons to come. Scot Thompson Emery Wade Harris
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