Protecting plants from cold temperatures

By Eddie Smith

Guest Columnist 

Although we live in the South, winter sometimes brings cold temperatures that can cause severe damage to many of our landscape plants.

Late frost after temperature rises in March or April could be even worse than the same cold temperature in winter. Thus, it is important to protect plants from these cold temperatures.

Temperature changes can damage plants in several ways.

A plant’s ability to withstand cold temperatures depends on plant species, and how low and how fast temperatures decrease.

When temperatures gradually decrease, a plant can acclimate, or adjust itself, to withstand colder temperatures better.

Sudden decreases in temperature cause more damage in fall or early winter than similar low temperatures well into winter. If temperatures increase during the winter months, some plants may break dormancy, or deacclimate, and begin leafing out or flowering. Plants that break bud dormancy become more susceptible to late frost because of their new, tender growth.

Cold injury can occur to all parts of the plant (flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, trunks, roots, and buds).

Fruits and flowers are the least tolerant of cold injury because they have little ability to adjust or build up tolerance to colder temperatures.

Leaf and stem tissues are injured and damaged when ice forms within the plant’s cells that typically occurs during a rapid freeze. When this happens, the plant’s tissue dies and is often characterized by plant parts turning brown and mushy. When the temperature drops slowly, ice sometimes forms between the walls of the plant’s cells. Hardy or cold acclimated plants can often withstand this type of ice formation.

Windy conditions can also cause plant damage by desiccation, or the drying out of the plant. Marginal, or leaf-tip, burn or totally brown leaves in severe cases characterize desiccation. Desiccation occurs when a plant loses more water than it absorbs, or takes up, by the roots, especially when the ground is frozen.

Homeowners can enjoy a wide variety of plant materials. They can increase their choice of available plants by assessing and maintaining plant needs and by carefully selecting plants and site locations. By planting a combination of tender and hardy plants and by protecting plants susceptible to cold temperatures, homeowners can have landscapes that survive cold temperatures.

Existing plants can be protected by making sure they are well watered right before a freeze.

Young citrus trees should be protected with a blanket or sheet. A covering of plastic is excellent protection.

Build a frame over the plant or plants, cover with plastic, and seal plastic to the ground with soil. Shade plastic to keep temperature from building up inside. This plastic traps moisture and warm air as it radiates from the soil. It also knocks off cold wind. Be certain not to allow plastic to come in contact with plants.

Eddie Smith is the MSU-ES Pearl River County Agriculture Agent/County Coordinator

SportsPlus

News

Crosby Arboretum Hosts Annual Forge Day, Showcasing Blacksmithing Skills

News

Mardi Gras 2025 Krewe of the Pearl

News

Picayune City Council Recognizes Community Leaders, Approves Baby Box Initiative

News

Several Arrests Made in Crossroads Community by Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office

News

Intersection of Quince Street and West Canal Street to Close for Resurfacing

News

Pearl River County to Hold Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event

News

Two Arrested for Felony Child Abuse, Drug Possession in Pearl River County

News

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Releases December Arrest Report

News

Two Arrested on Drug Charges Following Shoplifting Investigation

News

Agencies Attend Bomb Prevention Training in Gulfport

News

Pearl River County 2025 Sneaux Days

News

Picayune Hosts Annual MLK Day Parade and Service

News

Curfews Announced in Picayune, Poplarville as Winter Storm Worsens; MHP Reports Hazardous Road Conditions

Breaking News

Picayune Declares Local Emergency Due to Winter Weather Conditions

News

Manna Ministries Celebrates 25 Years of Service to the Community

News

Poplarville Man Arrested on Felony Drug Charge

News

Pearl River County Narcotics Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests

News

Deputies Join PRC Students for Law Enforcement Training

News

Major Drug Bust in Picayune Uncovers Drugs, Firearms, and Alligators

News

Crosby Arboretum will host Forge Day Jan. 18

News

FBI Honors Percy Foxworth with Ceremony in Poplarville

News

Matt Buckley Joins Picayune Item as Regional Account Executive

News

Ezell Named Vice Chair of Key Congressional Committees

News

Man Arrested Following High-Speed Pursuit in Pearl River County