With more sub-freezing temperatures expected this weekend, be sure to keep watering in mind when planning ahead for plants/landscapes, even if they’ve fared well so far this winter:
- Water the ground and soil liberally around frost-susceptible plants, during the day before a frost night is expected. The wet soil/water puddles will capture radiant energy from the sun and release it upward and around the plants during the night. Also, water gives off heat as it freezes, providing more warmth, and also enables a plant to resist the freezing process better is they are not also experiencing drought stress.
- If container plants can’t be brought inside, put them on the south side of the house, water well and pile on mulch, leaves or hay and/or cover them with a frost blanket.
- Be sure sprinkler systems are set to manual or turned off during a freeze, to not only prevent damage to plants, but to prevent freezing runoff that makes roadways hazardous (watering during a freeze is prohibited by City ordinance).
Website: Water Conservation | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
Website: Cold temperatures coming; protect pets, plants, pipes – AgriLife Today (tamu.edu)
