We’ve had a couple of hard freezes and a few frosts this winter so far. Most of us have some damaged plants in our yards. My hibiscus and hydrangea are looking pretty bad right now for example. So what should one do about cold damaged plants? The answer (from UF/IFAS) is pretty much nothing especially since there is still a risk of another freeze or frost.
The experts at IFAS recommend watering the plant and making sure it is covered the next time around. Do not prune, fertilizer or do anything other than water the plant? Why? Because pruning may weaken the plant further and fertilizing will stimulate new growth that could be damaged by yet another frost or freeze. We all know that plant looks bad right now but patience is a virtue and we’ll have to endure that shabby looking tropical plant for a few more weeks when we hope some new growth will emerge.
What can I do in my yard right now? Again, we’re in somewhat of a waiting time at this point of the calendar. Starting at the end of February, roses may be pruned down to 12-18 inches and fertilized. Blooms will start 6-8 weeks after pruning. You may also plant some cold tolerant annuals at this time such as dianthus, pansy, viola, and dusty miller. These annuals could give you yard a bit of color for the rest of winter into spring. You can also plant some bulbs now but be sure to cover them with a layer of much. IFAS suggests planting dahlia, crinum, and agapanthus. These bulbs are nice for borders and provide cuttings most of the spring and summer to brighten the inside of your home as well as the outside.
If you have citrus trees resist the urge to prune until danger of frost/freeze has past (typically around St. Patrick’s day). You may fertilize them now with an 8-8-8 (preferred) or 10-10-10 general fertilizer. No need to buy an expensive “citrus fertilizer”. Lawns are among the brown looking plants at this time of year as well. That’s ok as the brown will turn to green and we’ll be mowing all too soon. You may apply a pre-emergent weed killer now to avoid seeing weeds during the lawn season. IFAS lists a number of products in their article,”Weed Management Guide for Florida Lawns”.
The experts at IFAS recommend watering the plant and making sure it is covered the next time around. Do not prune, fertilizer or do anything other than water the plant? Why? Because pruning may weaken the plant further and fertilizing will stimulate new growth that could be damaged by yet another frost or freeze. We all know that plant looks bad right now but patience is a virtue and we’ll have to endure that shabby looking tropical plant for a few more weeks when we hope some new growth will emerge.
What can I do in my yard right now? Again, we’re in somewhat of a waiting time at this point of the calendar. Starting at the end of February, roses may be pruned down to 12-18 inches and fertilized. Blooms will start 6-8 weeks after pruning. You may also plant some cold tolerant annuals at this time such as dianthus, pansy, viola, and dusty miller. These annuals could give you yard a bit of color for the rest of winter into spring. You can also plant some bulbs now but be sure to cover them with a layer of much. IFAS suggests planting dahlia, crinum, and agapanthus. These bulbs are nice for borders and provide cuttings most of the spring and summer to brighten the inside of your home as well as the outside.
If you have citrus trees resist the urge to prune until danger of frost/freeze has past (typically around St. Patrick’s day). You may fertilize them now with an 8-8-8 (preferred) or 10-10-10 general fertilizer. No need to buy an expensive “citrus fertilizer”. Lawns are among the brown looking plants at this time of year as well. That’s ok as the brown will turn to green and we’ll be mowing all too soon. You may apply a pre-emergent weed killer now to avoid seeing weeds during the lawn season. IFAS lists a number of products in their article,”Weed Management Guide for Florida Lawns”.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment.