Garden Guy’s Complete Guide to Covering & Prepping Plants for the Upcoming Freeze in Houston 🥶🌿

🚨 Houston, you’re prepping plants for a freeze wrong! 🚨 Every year, we see damaged plants not because of the freeze itself, but because they weren’t protected properly. Don’t make these mistakes! Here’s Garden Guy’s expert guide to keeping your plants safe during the upcoming freeze, starting Tuesday, February 18th.

🌸 The good news? This should be our last cold snap—then spring will be here! Get your plants through this final freeze, and your garden will be ready to thrive! 🌿☀️

🌱 Step 1: Which Plants Need Protection?

Some plants handle cold better than others. Here’s what to prioritize covering:

🔥 High-Risk Plants (Must Cover)
✅ Tropicals: Hibiscus, banana trees, plumeria, bird of paradise, and bougainvillea.
✅ Tender Perennials & Young Plants: Newly planted shrubs, citrus trees, ferns, and some succulents.
✅ Vegetables & Herbs: Tomatoes, basil, peppers, and other warm-season crops.

🌿 Moderate-Risk Plants (Cover If Possible)
✅ Semi-Hardy Perennials: Esperanza, lantana, and young roses.
✅ Potted Plants & Houseplants (Even Indoors!): Move them inside if possible or into a garage to prevent root damage.

🛠️ Step 2: How to Properly Cover Plants

⚠️ Don’t just throw a sheet over your plants! Many people make the mistake of using the wrong materials or covering too late. Follow these steps for maximum protection:

✅ Use the Right Materials:
❌ DON’T use plastic directly on plants – It traps moisture and can cause damage.
✔️ DO use breathable fabric – Frost cloth, burlap, old bedsheets, or blankets work best.
✔️ For extra insulation, layer with a plastic tarp over the breathable fabric but not directly touching leaves.

✅ Cover from Top to Ground:

• Drape the cover completely to the ground to trap heat from the soil.

• Use bricks or stakes to secure the edges so wind doesn’t blow it off.

✅ When to Cover & Uncover:
🌙 Cover plants Tuesday evening (Feb 18th) before temperatures drop.
☀️ Uncover them during the day when temps rise to avoid overheating.

🏡 What to Do With Houseplants & Potted Plants

If you have tropical houseplants, orchids, or citrus in pots, follow these steps:

✅ Move them inside – Even a garage or covered porch can add protection.
✅ Keep them away from cold windows – The glass magnifies cold air.
✅ Avoid watering too much – Cold, wet soil can lead to root rot.

No room inside? Wrap pots in bubble wrap or blankets to insulate the roots and place them in a protected area.

🚨 Bonus: Protect Your Landscape Beyond Covering Plants

✔️ Water Before the Freeze: Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
✔️ Mulch Around Roots: A 2-3” layer of mulch insulates the ground.
✔️ Wrap Tree Trunks & Exposed Stems: Young citrus and tropical trees benefit from extra wrapping.

🌡️ The Garden Guy Wrap-Up: Get Ready for Spring!

Houston, don’t lose your plants to this final freeze! 🥶 With the right preparation, you can protect your landscape and avoid costly plant losses.

🌸 And the best part? This should be our last cold snap—then spring will be here! Let’s get your garden ready to thrive! 🌿☀️

💬 Drop a ❄️ in the comments if you’re covering your plants this week! And if you need expert help, contact Garden Guy today! 🌿

#HoustonLandscaping #GardenGuy #FreezeProtection #ToddFarber #TexasGardening #ProtectYourPlants #SpringIsComing