How to protect your plants during freezing weather

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Chilly weather is on the way, which means a tough road ahead for some outside plants in pots or in lawns. 

Freezes in the past have killed or blighted much Austin flora but there are ways to keep them alive.

Plants endemic to the region should be able to withstand the forecasted weather. However, other plants that have not adapted to cold climates should probably be brought inside.

“You would want to bring in as many plants as you can,” said Amy Hovis, the owner of Barton Springs Nursery. “House plants absolutely need to be inside. Any fragile plants that aren't ready for this kind of weather need to be inside,” she continued. 

For non-native landscape plants, Hovis advised plant owners to use frost cloth, which can be found at Barton Springs Nursery and other plant stores. Frost cloth helps trap the heat from the ground to keep roots warm. 

“The plants' roots are really where you want to keep in that warmth,” Hovis said. 

Plant owners can also cover vulnerable flora with plastic sheeting or blankets if they do not have frost cloth. 

“It's also good to water before the freeze. It would be great if you could give them some good water around the roots tonight,” Hovis said. “The water also brings heat to the plant's roots.”

And while native plants can typically withstand Central Texas freezes, Hovis advised keeping an eye on those too. 

“With climate change, things are changing," she said. "We just have to be ready because the temperatures have been surprising,” Hovis continued. “We've had two freezes that were pretty rough on the plants in the past. We're just doing everything we can to protect them.”