Written by Steve Amerige, Extension Master Gardener  volunteer of Wake County

Hello Homeowners,

With the upcoming weather forecast for the next 10 days, it’s a crucial time to take some proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of your plants, both in containers and in the ground.

Let’s break down some key actions to take:

General Tips

• Keep an eye on the weather daily. Sudden changes can occur, and being prepared is vital.
• Avoid fertilizing during this period, as new growth is more susceptible to frost damage.
• Check for damaged limbs or branches after the colder days and prune as necessary.

Container Plants

1. Temperature Monitoring: From Jan 14-16, the temperatures are relatively mild, but from Jan 17 to Jan 24, we expect a significant drop, especially during nighttime. On nights when temperatures drop below 32 F°, consider moving tender container plants indoors to a garage, porch, or inside your home to protect them from frost damage.
2. Location Adjustment: For hardier plants that can stay outside, move containers closer to your home. This can provide some warmth from the building and shelter from wind. South-facing walls are preferable as they usually receive more sunlight.
3. Watering: Water container plants before a freeze, but only if the soil is dry. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, helping to protect roots. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot, especially in colder conditions.

Plants in the Ground

1. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. This acts as an insulation layer, helping to maintain a more consistent soil temperature and retaining moisture.
2. Burlap Wrapping: Wrapping susceptible plants in burlap can provide additional protection against cold winds and frost. Ensure the burlap is not in direct contact with the foliage as much as possible.
3. Watering Ground Plants: Like container plants, ensure the ground around your plants is moist (but not waterlogged) before a freeze. However, with the forecast showing very little rain, avoid overwatering as cold, wet conditions can harm plants.
4. Covering: Consider covering smaller plants with a frost cloth or a light blanket on nights with expected frost. Remove the coverings during the day to allow air circulation and prevent overheating.

Every garden is unique, so tailor these tips to suit your specific plants and environment. Feel free to ask any particular concerns or questions about certain plant species.

Enjoy the beauty of your winter garden. Even in the cold, nature has its unique charm!

Stay warm and happy gardening!

EXAMPLES

Container Plants

1. Citrus Trees (Citrus spp.): Zones 9-11. Move containers to a sheltered spot near the house or under a porch to protect from frost.
2. Olive Trees (Olea europaea): Zones 8-10. Place near a south-facing wall or under a covered area during severe cold.
3. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): Zones 9-11. Position in a sheltered location, like under a porch or against a warm wall.
4. Banana (Musa spp.): Zones 8-11. Relocate to a spot with wind protection or inside a garage.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Zones 8-11. Move to a covered porch or against a warm house wall.
6. Lantana (Lantana camara): Zones 8-11. Place in a sheltered area, away from harsh winds.
7. Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.): Zones 9-11. Move to a protected area such as a porch or against a building.
8. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Zones 9-11. Relocate to a less exposed location, like under a covered porch.
9. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): Zones 8-11. Move close to the house or under a shelter for frost protection.
10. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Zones 9-11. Shift to a sheltered area or inside a garage during cold nights.
11. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.): Zones 9-11. Place in a protected spot near the building or under a porch.
12. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.): Zones 9-12. Relocate to a porch or a protected side of the house.
13. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.): Zones 9-11. Move to a sheltered area, like under a canopy or close to a wall.
14. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.): Zones 6-11. Position in a spot sheltered from cold winds.
15. Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’): Zones 7-11. Place in a garage or against a south-facing wall.
16. Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.): Zones 8-10. Relocate to a sheltered spot, especially during frost.
17. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha): Zones 8-10. Move to a protected area away from cold winds.
18. Canna Lily (Canna spp.): Zones 7-10. Position in a sheltered location or inside a garage during frost.
19. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Zones 7-10. Place near a wall or under a covered area for protection.
20. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Zones 5-9. Move containers to a sheltered spot, preferably near a south-facing wall.

Plants in the Ground

1. Camellia (Camellia japonica): Zones 7-10. May need protection during unexpected severe cold spells.
2. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): Zones 8-11. Sensitive to frost and may require covering during cold snaps.
3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Zones 5-9. Established plants are usually hardy, but new plantings should be protected in extreme cold.
4. Oleander (Nerium oleander): Zones 8-10. Can be damaged by frost, so protect during severe cold.
5. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.): Zones 8-11. Young plants are especially vulnerable to frost.
6. Citrus Trees (Citrus spp.): Zones 9-11. May require protection during unexpected freezing temperatures.
7. Fig Trees (Ficus carica): Zones 7-11. Young trees can be damaged by severe frost.
8. Olive Trees (Olea europaea): Zones 8-10. Can be damaged by severe cold, especially new plantings.
9. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica): Zones 8-10. Young or newly planted trees should be protected from frost.
10. Pomegranate (Punica granatum): Zones 7-11. May require protection in unusually cold weather.
11. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): Zones 9-11. Needs protection from frost.
12. Banana (Musa spp.): Zones 8-11. Can be damaged by frost; protect or mulch heavily.
13. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Zones 8-11. Can be damaged by frost and may need covering.
14. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.): Zones 6-11, depending on species. Some may need protection in severe cold.
15. Canna Lily (Canna spp.): Zones 7-10. Mulch heavily to protect rhizomes from freezing.
16. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Zones 7-10. May need some protection from extreme cold.
17. Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.): Zones 8-10. May require mulching or covering during frost.
18. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha): Zones 8-10. Protect from frost, especially new plantings.
19. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Zones 9-11. Needs protection from frost.
20. Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis): Zones 8-11. May require protection in severe cold snaps.