Every time a frost approaches, I see my neighbors across the cul-de-sac drape the bougainvillea in their front flowerbed with a sheet. Not a skilled gardener myself, I always worry that I should start digging through the linen closet too. But the flowering plants in our front bed are not nearly as prolific as theirs, and our shrubs — a mix of boxwood and Indian hawthorn left by the previous homeowner — tend to weather the mild San Antonio winters pretty well without much effort.Why does frost affect some plants and not others? Ice can form in the cells of plants when the temperature dips and disrupt the flow of moisture, explains the expert volunteers known as the Marin Master Gardeners. Trained to work with inexperienced home gardeners, such as myself, they explain the difference between hardy plants that can tolerate cold weather and tender plants that can’t. This latter group includes citrus, avocados, bougainvillea, fuchsias, and succulents.In a state as big as Texas, the plant hardiness zones, as mapped by the United States Department of Agriculture, range widely. Your local nursery can help you learn which plants do better in your band of the hardiness map and how you can help protect them.For your existing landscape, you can try these defensive moves as the worst of winter approaches, recommended by the Marin Master Gardeners and other experts:Water plant beds before a freeze. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and gives plants a better shot at weathering the freeze.Cover plants and shrubs with breathable fabric, such as the sheets my neighbor used. Burlap, or even newspaper or linen would also work.You want to avoid plastic sheeting, as it can allow condensation to form underneath and freeze, which could hurt your plants. Stakes can help prevent plastic from touching plants if you decide to use it.Remove coverings during the days as temperatures rise. Plants will benefit from the sunlight and warmer temperatures.Ask your local nursery about anti-transpirant sprays that can coat leaves and help preserve your plants. You can even order such sprays online and maybe save some money.Add a new layer of mulch to plant beds and containers to hold in warmth. Cover beds and even container plants to give a little more protection.Bring container plants indoors or group them together near a shelter, especially succulents. We’ve sheltered our hanging baskets in the garage during the occasional cold snaps that hit San Antonio and then hung them back on the screen porch for the rest of the season.Winter in Texas is the perfect time to plant fruit trees! Learn how in this Texas Heritage for Living¬Æ how-to.
