The recent warm spell in Southeast Texas is going to change Thursday. Predictions are for sub-freezing temperatures Thursday night into Friday. Horticulturist Joseph Johnson with the Shangri La Botanical Gardens says the biggest concern for plants will be winter burn. Johnson adds that a common occurrence here when there is a deep freeze in the 20s and then a warm up causing what they call winter burn which effects plants’ ability to transpire or sweat. Some plants are blooming or beginning to leaf out which makes them more susceptible to winter burn. Johnson informs that symptoms of winter burn are a scorching of leaf tips, a complete browning of leaves, a loss of buds, and even death to plants more sensitive to the cold weather. What should you do to protect your plants? Johnson recommends watering them thoroughly and covering plants with freeze cloth, blankets, or sheets that cannot be brought inside. Johnson has a helpful suggestion to protect your plants. Use an electric light bulb or drop light under the cloth or blanket used to cover the plants. Johnson tells that this creates a sort of greenhouse effect which will be beneficial to those more tender plants. Remember to water your plants deeply. Bring inside those that you can and cover those outside with a freeze cloth, blankets, or sheets.
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