How to Protect Your Lawn and Garden from Sudden Temperature Changes

Some parts of the United States have bone-chilling winters, and in other regions temperatures are mild. Sometimes the temperature can swing from one extreme to the other in one place within a stretch of just a few days. Extreme cold is usually not the cause of death in plants, but rather plants are killed by extreme fluctuations in temperature over a short period of time. A sudden decrease in temperature, or a brief warm-up followed by falling temperatures, can damage plants and lawns. Here are some tips to protect your lawn and garden from sudden temperature changes in the winter.

How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden

All species of plants have the genetic ability to survive cold to varying degrees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the Plant Hardiness Zone Map that rates plants based on the lowest average temperatures they can survive. When choosing plants for your garden, you should consult the map to find ones that are appropriate for your region. If the temperature falls below the average, the plants may not be able to survive.

Prune and Fertilize at the Right Times to Protect Your Lawn and Garden

The best way to protect your lawn and garden from sudden temperature changes is to prune and fertilize at the correct times. If you prune trees or shrubs right before the weather turns cold, they are more likely to experience damage than if you prune them later in the winter. Prune bushes that bloom in the spring after they have bloomed.

If you apply a fertilizer with nitrogen to your lawn in the winter, it can encourage the grass to grow too early and lead to damage. It is best to apply fertilizer in early spring and to use a slow-release or organic formula.

Cover Your Plants to Protect Them from the Cold

If the weather forecast is calling for a sudden temperature drop, you can protect plants in your garden by covering them with a sheet or garden blanket. Cover the plants completely and make sure the cover touches the ground so it can trap heat from the soil. Remove the cover after the temperature rises above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Deep Watering Can Protect Your Lawn and Garden from Temperature Changes

Another way to prevent damage from the cold is to give your lawn and garden a deep watering one or two days before cold weather arrives. This will help because moist soil can hold heat better than dry soil. You should only water your lawn and garden if the soil is dry. Keeping the soil too wet can increase damage to plants caused by the cold.

A sprinkler system can help you give your lawn and garden a deep watering without needing to stand outside with a hose. You can program it to water your lawn on a schedule so it will get the right amount of hydration, even if you are not home. Order a sprinkler and timer from Sprinkler System Store today.