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Updated Jan 25th,
2007
By Robin Corwin - LCF Outlook
How To Cope With
Freezing Temperatures
Freezing overnight temperatures hit commercial growers and
home gardeners hard last week. Susceptible plants were damaged in
many areas and icy patches appeared wherever standing water collected.
Home gardeners encountered blackened leaves on tropical and
subtropical plants, ice layers on ponds and even burst irrigation pipes.
Though winter temperatures are mild most years in southern
California, there’s always the chance that a period of frost can damage
our garden plants and agricultural industry.
The easiest way to avoid frost damage is not to plant anything tropical
or subtropical. California is still a major citrus- and avocadogrowing
state however, so it seems that more than just home gardeners
are willing to put up with a little frost to reap the benefits these tender
species bring. What to do?
Well-watered plants survive frosts better than dry plants, so make
sure susceptible items are irrigated. Home gardeners can also mimic
the commercial growers by harvesting as much citrus fruit as possible
if a killing frost threatens. Growers also use heating units in their
groves to warm the air. Home gardeners can bring container plants
close to the sheltering warmth of the house or try stringing garden
trees and shrubs with Christmas lights. Leaving these lights burning on
cold nights is said to provide a smidgeon of warmth, and just a degree
or two can mean the difference between life and death for some tender
cultivars.
Covering plants with cotton sheets or layers of newspaper can
work. If this method is employed, it’s important to remove the coverings
the first thing in the morning. Alternately, some gardeners are
using floating row covers. These diaphanous sheets of fabric can be
purchased at garden outlets and online. They only add a few degrees
of warmth, but it isn’t necessary to remove them each morning. They
can be left in place for days or weeks since sunshine, moisture and air
can permeate the porous material.
If all fails and you find yourself with a lot of dead-looking plants,
don’t rush to remove them or prune away damaged stems and foliage.
Wait until warmer weather pushes new growth. If your plants are still
alive, you’ll see the signs then. If you find in spring that your plants
are truly deceased, just consider it an opportunity to plant something
hardier and get a brand-new look in your garden. Remember, every
time a door closes, another opens. |
