10/18/2026
The nighttime temps are starting to drop, protect your freshly planted plants!
• Water Gently Ahead of the Freeze: If the soil is dry, water your new plants lightly during the warmer daytime hours. Moist soil retains heat much better than bone-dry soil, which helps insulate the shallow root zones.
• Insulate with Mulch: Ensure there is a 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch (such as shredded leaves or bark) covering the soil surface around the base of the plants. Keep the mulch a couple of inches away from the actual stems or trunks to prevent rot.
• Trap existing soil heat by draping frost cloth, burlap, old bed sheets, or lightweight blankets over the plants. Secure the edges on the ground with stones or bricks to keep the wind from blowing them away.
• Do not let plastic sheeting directly touch plant foliage, as it transfers the freezing cold straight to the leaves. If using plastic, prop it up with stakes so it acts like a tent.
•Remove covering during daytime hours
