In Houston, nurseries are advising residents to protect their plants in anticipation of an expected freeze. Employees at Enchanted Forrest in Richmond are already preparing, covering plant beds with frost cloths and moving sensitive species into greenhouses.
Danny Lenderman, the owner, emphasizes the importance of covering plants, especially since the rain is providing necessary moisture.
He suggests using external heat sources like lights or halogen bulbs, with caution to avoid fire hazards.
For outdoor plants like citrus trees and tropical varieties, proper covering is essential to retain heat.
Joshua Kornegy, owner of Joshua’s Native Plants in The Heights, notes that while some plants can’t withstand the cold, others, like olive trees, are more resilient and popular in Houston for their freeze resistance and ability to produce black olives.
He points out that native plants to southeast Texas are generally cold-tolerant and don’t need covering.
Kornegy advises patience with plants affected by weather, recalling how many people prematurely removed or cut plants after a previous big freeze, missing potential recoveries. He also recommends using mulch to preserve moisture in the roots and control weeds.
via https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2024/01/10/houston-freeze-how-to-protect-your-plants-ahead-of-freezing-temperatures/
