SITE SELECTION FOR PLANTS:
One of the best preventative measures is to protect your plants from the cold and frost. Try to avoid planting tender, non hardy plants in wide, open spaces. Rather, find a spot that's more protected, such as a south or west-facing wall. This will absorb heat during the day. Additionally, you can also uses fences and shrubs as protective barriers.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
- It's important to water the soil thoroughly to prevent plants from dying. This is because wet soil will hold heat better than dry soil.
- Cover plants and vegetables with protective sheets such as drop cloths, blankets, or tarps. Use stakes to keep the material from touching the plants.
- When temperatures come back up the next day, remove coverings.
- If temperatures only drop for a short period of time, consider covering the planting area with straw, mulch, or leaf mold. Remove once all danger of frost has passed.
- A 100-watt lamp can be placed inside of a tree to reflect onto ground plants. This lamp can emit enough heat to reduce frost damage.
- Look for an anti-transpirant at your local nursery and spray that onto the leaves of sensitive plants. One application can protect plants for up to 3 months.
- Plants that are in containers should be grouped together and sheltered near a wall or fence, if possible.