Are your plants ready for frosty weather? Some plants are more susceptible to frost damage than others. Consult the Western Garden book to determine your hardiness zone (Vallejo’s is 17). Zone 17 covers a belt of land along the perimeter of the bay and the coast. As you know, the weather is different in Vallejo than it is in San Francisco, although we share the same Zone 17. There is a great variety of microclimates within this zone. Depending on how cold it gets in your area will determine
- Factors that affect your plants’ frost tolerance:
- Protection of the plant from wind
- The warmth radiating from the home
- Overhead coverage from a tree or roof.
These factors determine if some of your less hardy plants will make it. If the weather forecast calls for a frost alert think about which of your plants may be vulnerable. If they are in small pots move them closer to the house or under a tree with a heavy canopy of leaves like a Live Oak. You can put a cover over them with sheets, cardboard, burlap, etc. Prop the cover over the plant without touching it so the leaves aren’t damaged. You could use stakes or tomato cages, for example, to prop up the cover. The covering will need to be taken off and put back on to allow for water, air circulation and sunlight when there is not a danger of frost. Check here www.maidwhiz.com/. A string of Christmas lights will provide some warmth for vulnerable plants. The newer LED lights don’t give off heat. Remember to keep your plants watered as moist soil holds more heat.
According to University of California Cooperative Extension anti-transperiants do not work and are a waste of money.
Plants will recover from some frost damage. The frost-damaged part of the plant will provide protection to the undamaged plant material under it. Wait until after the last likely frost date to cut back frost damage.
Happy Gardening and Happy Holidays!
