FOOLING JACK FROST
by
Elsie Sydnor, editor
American Fuchsia Society Fuchsia Bulletin, Nov / Dec, 1993
Vagaries in the weather have confounded farmers and gardeners for centuries. As winter approaches there are some things you can do to protect your plants from the cold temperatures that are sure to come.
Studies prove that moist plants fare better than dry ones during a frost. The water "plumps up" the plant cells and moist soil holds and releases more heat than dry soil, creating a warmer, more humid environment immediately around the plant.
Fertilizing with a 0-10-10 fertilizer hardens off tender plants for winter. The 10% phosphorus and potassium increase the plant's hardiness to cold while the lack of nitrogen discourages soft new growth.
Garden catalogs and nurseries offer various materials to cover plants. Some are designed for large areas and others are made to sit over individual plants. Layers of newspaper insulate plants from low temperatures, also. When using such products, read directions to see if the material needs to be removed during the day. Some materials, such as plastic drapes cannot touch the plants.
Placing a light bulb under the protective tent raises the temperature by two to six degrees, enough to reduce frost damage. Make sure all electrical material is registered for outdoor use if you use this method.
Where temperatures are cold for much of the winter, tender plants should be mulched, the thickness of which depends on local conditions. Hardy fuchsias will come up again from the roots if they have some protection.
If plants are in containers, move them under the eaves or along a south-facing wall which absorbs heat during the day and radiates it at night. Other protective areas are under an evergreen tree, under a lattice or lath structure or into the garage or carport. Putting plants close together before draping them makes the task easier, also. Hanging sheets or shower curtains from the low branches of trees creates a protective wall. Be sure the sheets hang to the ground.
Standard fuchsias are in special need of protection because of the long, bare stems. Wrap the stem with several layers of newspaper and lay it down with more protection around it. Notch the top of a bucket to lean the stem on so as not to break the head. Miniatures and bonsai should be brought into the house on cold nights if you do not have a greenhouse.
When the night sky is clear, the wind is still, the windshields and grass are dry and the outdoor temperature is 45°F or less by ten o'clock in the evening, prepare for cold overnight temperatures. Do not wait until the eleven o'clock weather forecast. By then you will be too tired and the neighbors will wonder what on earth you are doing in the garden at that hour!
Source: "Don't Let Jack Frost Nip Your Garden" by Sue Hayden , CCN-Advanced, What's Growing On?, Yamagami's Nursery Newsletter, Nov./Dec., 1991, page 6.