When the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, water vapor solidifies into frost. This weather phenomenon creates ice crystals in plant cells, damaging their tissues and preventing them from receiving water. Frost-damaged plants will shrivel and change color. They may even die if left outside. If you're worried your landscaping won't survive the cold weather ahead, try out these protective measures.

How to Keep Plants Safe From Frost

1. Use a Blanket

Covering your plants will keep the water vapor inside them from freezing. Opt for a fabric covering—like a bedsheet or a towel—which will allow moisture to escape, prevent freezing air from getting in, and keep in the warmth from the ground. Place stakes around your plants before covering them to create a tent, and make sure the edges of the blanket reach the ground to seal in heat.

Consider covering the fabric with a plastic tarp for extra insulation. However, be sure it doesn't touch the vegetation as it will trap moisture against plant tissue and freeze it.

2. Bring Potted Plants Inside

Potted plants are more vulnerable to frost damage because they aren't insulated by the earth. If frost is in the forecast, bring them inside into a garage or another cool space. Avoid placing them in a warm room since the sudden heat will shock them.

Before bringing them inside the house, check for pests and diseases that could infest your home and houseplants. Keep outdoor and indoor plants separated, and once the frost is over, you can take them back outside.

3. Add Mulch

If soil freezes during a frost, plants' roots will be unable to absorb water and will die of dehydration. Prevent this by adding mulch to your soil; it acts as an insulator for the root systems.

Mulch might include wood chips, straw, or piles of leaves. Add anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of the material, but leave an opening around the plant stalk so heat can travel up through the vegetation. Remove extra mulch once the weather warms up so the landscaping doesn't suffer from heat damage.

Keep your landscaping looking good throughout the year with help from the team at Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation in Columbia, MO. For over 30 years, their expert team has helped residential and commercial clients create dream gardens. Their services include sprinkler system design and installation, weeding, and general landscape services. They use the latest equipment and techniques to make every project a success. Browse their landscaping services online, and call (573) 446-0858 to receive a free quote.