Winter is coming. The days of cold, crisp air covering everything with a sparkling frost is slowly making its way to our gardens. We all know that Texas and its weather can fluctuate, especially during the winter season. Let’s welcome winter with open arms and get into the spirit of the holidays! Take control of the season and be prepared with the proper protection for the health and success of your plants.
How to Protect Your Plants this Winter
FROST PROTECTION BLANKETS
DeWitt N-SULATE Frost Protection blanket or Supreme Plant Protection rolls are available at our stores nearest you. This frost protection fabric is an inexpensive, yet fabulous form of protection for your flowerbeds, bedding plants, vegetable gardens, etc.
It is made from a re-usable, medium weight fabric available in various size options. The material is formulated to resist UV degradation while allowing air and water to pass through the fabric.
Frost Protection blankets and rolls are designed to raise the temperature beneath the fabric about 6-8 degrees to create a warmer and protected environment for your annual color.
Also, you can protect your freshly planted trees and evergreens from the dry winds and winter sun. Winter Sunscald can “burn” and dry out the conifer needles and evergreen foliage. Wrap up your trees and secure it with floral wire or rope.
Enjoy the easy installation by simply securing your Frost Protection Blanket over your flowerbeds with DeWitt Anchoring Pins.
FROST COVERS
Protective Frost Covers provides superior winter frost protection for all plants and shrubs which will help extend the growing seasons for your fall and spring plants. The state-of-the-art synthetic material gives your plants the coverage they need from overnight frost damage and temperatures dropping down to 21 degrees or below.
The UV stability of the tear resistant fabric prevents material breakdown over long periods of exposure to the sun. Plus, you can install in seconds and secure your cover with the 4 ground spikes that are included with your purchase.
Cover your shrubs, annual color, and even your container gardens with ease. You can re-use your Protective Frost Covers and stow away easily when not in use. Pick up your protective cover and save your plants from the damage of frost.
CALLOWAY’S PREMIUM MULCHES
Another fantastic avenue for protecting your plants during the winter season is to apply mulch to your flowerbeds and around your trees and shrubs as directed.
Mulch is made from organic material that enriches the soil as it decomposes. It creates a warm barrier between the cold, frosty air and your plant’s roots. Frozen soil prevents plants from taking up water to replace the moisture that is lost from evaporation. You want to keep the soil for your plants happy with the proper level of moisture to avoid freeze damage and hold in the necessary heat.
OTHER PLANT PREPARATION TIPS FOR WINTER
- Watering – Watering your plants is always important, especially during the winter months. Spend this time to make sure your flowerbeds, trees, and container gardens are watered properly and deeply, enough to substantially penetrate below the surface at your plant’s roots.
- Purchase Plant Dollies – Plant dollies are the perfect accessory this time of year for your container gardens. Keep your potted plants on plant dollies for easy moving to a sheltered location or indoors.
- Fertilizing – Once temperatures really drop, so should fertilizing your plants. Fertilizing creates new growth and that new growth can be inhibited by below freezing temperatures.
- Keep Planting – If the ground is soft enough to dig a hole, you should keep planting! Take advantage of the cool weather and pick up your cool season annuals, shrubs, and trees. Water your new plantings properly and when temperatures drop, cover and protect as you would your more established plants.
Keeping your plants happy and healthy now will help them get through the winter unscathed. Get started on your cold weather prevention strategy and be prepared for the next freeze!
Stop by our store nearest you for all your winterizing product needs, plants, mulch, and more! Questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals available at all of our store locations!
