When the temperature drops and frost settles in, it can be tough on your garden. But don’t worry—with a little planning and effort, you can help your plants survive the winter and get a head start on spring. Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, this guide will walk you through the basics of protecting your plants from frost.
What Is Frost, and Why Does It Matter?
Frost happens when temperatures dip below freezing (32°F or 0°C), causing water in the air to freeze. Some plants handle frost just fine, but others can suffer. You might see wilted leaves, blackened stems, or even plants that don’t make it. If you have tropical plants, tender perennials, or certain veggies, you’ll need to give them extra care to make it through.
How to Protect Your Plants From Frost
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Figure Out Which Plants Need Help Start by taking a look at your garden. Which plants are at risk? Common frost-sensitive plants include:
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Delicate perennials like begonias and fuchsias
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Tropical plants such as hibiscus and citrus trees
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Young shrubs and trees that haven’t settled in yet
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Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and basil
Once you know what needs protection, you can focus your efforts where they’re needed most.
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Use Mulch to Keep Roots Warm Mulch is like a cozy blanket for your plants. Spread 2-4 inches of mulch—straw, wood chips, or leaves work great—around the base of your plants. This keeps the soil warmer, holds in moisture, and evens out temperature swings.
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Cover Your Plants When frost is in the forecast, cover your plants to keep them warm. Here’s what you can use:
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Frost cloths or garden fleece: These lightweight fabrics are great for trapping heat.
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Old sheets or blankets: Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly fix.
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Burlap sacks: Good for shrubs and small trees.
Make sure to secure the edges so cold air doesn’t sneak in. In the morning, take the covers off so your plants can soak up the sun.
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Water Your Plants (Yes, Really!) It might seem strange, but watering your garden can help protect plants from frost. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Just be sure to water during the day so the soil has time to warm up before nightfall.
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Bring Potted Plants Inside Potted plants are more at risk because their roots are exposed. If you can, move them indoors or to a sheltered spot like a garage or covered porch. If moving isn’t an option, group them together and wrap the pots with something insulating, like bubble wrap or burlap.
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Don’t Prune Just Yet Resist the urge to trim damaged leaves or stems during winter. Pruning can expose your plants to more stress. Instead, wait until spring when the risk of frost has passed.
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Block the Wind Winter winds can dry out and damage your plants. Use windbreaks like wooden stakes, burlap, or even plastic sheeting to protect them.
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Add a Little Heat For really cold nights, give your plants a little extra warmth:
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String up some outdoor-safe lights around your plants.
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Use heat lamps if you have them.
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Place buckets of warm water near your plants to radiate heat overnight.
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Tips for Specific Plants
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Perennials: Cut back dead leaves and stems to keep pests away, then mulch heavily around the base.
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Shrubs and Trees: Wrap trunks with burlap or tree wraps, and mulch around the roots.
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Vegetables: Cover your crops with row covers or cloches. Cold-hardy veggies like kale and carrots will appreciate the extra protection.
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Tropical Plants: Move them indoors or into a greenhouse. If they’re in the ground, cover them thoroughly and pile on the mulch.
Long-Term Frost Protection
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Pick the Right Plants Choosing frost-hardy plants can save you a lot of work. Look for evergreens, hellebores, and ornamental grasses—they’re tough and beautiful.
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Invest in a Greenhouse or Cold Frame These structures give your plants a safe space to grow during winter. A cold frame is a more affordable option and works wonders for small gardens.
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Plant Smart Place frost-sensitive plants in spots that naturally stay warmer, like near walls or fences. South-facing gardens get more sun, which can help too.
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Build Healthy Soil Good soil acts like a buffer against the cold. Add compost and organic matter regularly to improve its quality.
Keep an Eye on Things
Winter gardening isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. Keep an eye on the weather and check your garden regularly. If frost is coming, be ready to take action. Small adjustments, like adding more mulch or fixing covers, can make a big difference.
Wrapping It Up
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your gardening season. With these simple steps, you can protect your plants and set them up for a strong start in spring. Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for years, a little care goes a long way. Happy gardening!