Essential Tips for Protecting Your Plants During Cold Weather from Ruibal's Plants of Texas

HLTV
Nov 7
3 min read

Cold weather can be tough on plants, especially those not naturally adapted to freezing temperatures. When the chill sets in, many gardeners worry about how to keep their plants healthy and thriving. Mark Ruibal from Ruibal's Plants of Texas shares practical advice on protecting your plants during cold spells. These tips help you prepare your garden to survive and even flourish despite the drop in temperature.

Understand Your Plants’ Cold Tolerance

Not all plants respond the same way to cold. Some are hardy and can handle frost, while others are sensitive and need extra care. Knowing which plants in your garden are vulnerable is the first step.

Tropical and subtropical plants usually need protection.
Native Texas plants often tolerate cold better.
Container plants are more exposed and need special attention.

Mark Ruibal emphasizes checking the specific needs of each plant type. This knowledge helps you decide which plants to cover, move indoors, or treat differently.

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Use Protective Coverings Wisely

Covering plants is one of the simplest and most effective ways to shield them from frost. Mark suggests using materials that trap heat but still allow air circulation.

Use frost cloths, old sheets, or burlap to cover plants.
Avoid plastic directly on plants as it can cause damage.
Secure covers to prevent wind from blowing them away.
Remove coverings during the day to let plants breathe and get sunlight.

This method works well for shrubs, small trees, and garden beds. It creates a microclimate that keeps temperatures around the plant slightly warmer.

Move Potted Plants Indoors or to Sheltered Areas

Plants in pots are more vulnerable because their roots are exposed to cold air. Mark Ruibal advises moving these plants to warmer spots when cold weather approaches.

Bring pots inside near windows with sunlight.
Use garages or covered patios if indoor space is limited.
Group pots together to share warmth.
Elevate pots off cold ground using bricks or stands.

This simple step can prevent root damage and keep your plants healthy through cold nights.

Water Plants Before a Freeze

Surprisingly, watering plants before a freeze can help protect them. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, which helps keep roots warmer.

Water plants thoroughly a day before the cold hits.
Avoid watering during freezing temperatures to prevent ice damage.
Focus on the root zone, not the leaves.

Mark Ruibal points out that hydrated plants are more resilient to cold stress. This tip is especially useful for newly planted or young plants.

Prune with Care Before Cold Weather

Pruning can help plants focus energy on survival, but it must be done carefully.

Avoid heavy pruning right before a freeze.
Remove dead or damaged branches to reduce disease risk.
Light pruning can improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.

Mark recommends timing pruning to avoid stimulating new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.

Use Mulch to Insulate Roots

Mulching is a natural way to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.

Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch like straw, wood chips, or leaves.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the plant stem to prevent rot.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture and temperature.

This technique is especially helpful for perennials and shrubs. It creates a buffer against temperature swings underground.

Consider Wind Protection

Cold winds increase plant stress and can dry out leaves and stems. Mark Ruibal suggests creating windbreaks to shield plants.

Use fences, walls, or garden structures as barriers.
Temporary windbreaks can be made with burlap or plastic screens.
Position sensitive plants away from prevailing winds.

Reducing wind exposure helps plants conserve moisture and stay warmer.

Monitor Weather Forecasts and Act Early

Cold snaps can come suddenly. Staying informed allows you to prepare in time.

Check local weather reports regularly during cold seasons.
Cover or move plants before temperatures drop.
Have materials like frost cloths and mulch ready in advance.

Mark Ruibal stresses that early action is key to preventing cold damage.

Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Plants

Cold weather does not have to mean the end for your garden. With the right preparation and care, plants can survive and even thrive through chilly periods. Understanding your plants’ needs, using protective coverings, moving pots indoors, watering properly, pruning carefully, mulching, and shielding from wind all contribute to stronger, healthier plants.

Start by identifying which plants need the most help and gather your supplies early. Keep an eye on the weather and act quickly when cold is coming. These steps from Ruibal's Plants of Texas will help you protect your garden and enjoy a vibrant landscape year-round.