It is getting closer to the time of year in the Santa Clarita Valley (and much of Southern California) that may bring frost. It is time to become acquainted with how to handle your garden. There are warning signs for frost such as still air (tree branches aren’t moving) no cloud cover, low humidity, and temperatures 45 degrees or less at 10 p.m. Check before bedtime and get any at-risk container plants under the eaves, a patio roof or into the garage. This works for most plants, however not your potted tropicals.
If you have tropical plants, remember that cold starts at 55 degrees. You can create your own problems if you suddenly bring tropicals indoors. Waiting to the last possible day is not the best solution. In fact, it’s the worst. An important trick is to gradually adjust your plants to indoor conditions. See my blog for further information on how to adjust your potted tropicals.
Make sure the soil around plants is moist when frost is expected. Soil that is moist holds and releases more heat than dry soil that creates a humid environment around the plant when the frost sucks moisture from the leaves. Never hose down plants in the morning after a frost, plants should thaw naturally and gradually, or the plant cells in the leaf tissue will rupture.
You can also help protect plants by adding a two-inch layer of mulch. The mulch will help the soil retain moisture (less likely to freeze) and will insulate the roots from the cold.
Tender plants can be covered with frost cloth. The material should be secured to frames or stakes so that it does not touch the plant, otherwise it will just transfer the cold. It is important to remove the coverings during the daytime so that the plants can absorb sunlight.
Be sure not to prune frost sensitive plants until after all danger of frost has passed. Let the frost do the pruning for you. If your plant is injured, leave the damaged, burnt looking leaves on the plant to protect the foliage underneath. If you prune prematurely you may stimulate new growth, which is tender and more likely to be damaged by later frosts. Do not start pruning your plant again until danger of frost has passed and new growth begins to appear.
Happy Gardening!
Julie Molinare is a Certified Landscape Designer living in the Santa Clarita for over 12 years. Julie taught the Introduction to Landscape Design Class at CSUN – Tseng College of Extended Learning and is owner/designer of The Grass Is Always Greener Landscape Designs. For more information, please call 661-917-3521 and visit www.thegrassisalwaysgreener.net .