How To Protect Flowers from Frost

Okay, so those little flowers you planted in the spring have evolved into the most beautiful and eye-catching floral display in the neighborhood. And just as you finally begin to enjoy the beauty you have created, you hear that ill-fated weather report. That dreaded first frost is on its way!

Now you're worried that this evil frost is going to swoop in while you're sleeping and destroy the fruits of your hard work. You're wondering how to protect your babies from such immediate danger. Well the most important thing you can do is not panic. It is possible for flowers to survive a frost, and here is how:

1. Discontinue fertilization. Older leaves are much tougher than new foliage and are more likely to withstand a frost. Discontinue fertilizing in early to mid-September. This will limit the amount of new foliage before cold weather arrives.
2. Water your flowers. Watering your flowers in the late afternoon will help the soil release moisture into the air around them during the night. As a result, the temperature of the air surrounding your flowers will be a bit warmer.
3. Use a fan. A nice breeze can keep cold air from settling near the ground during the night. If it's a breezy night, you're okay, but if not, you will want to create this breeze artificially. This will reduce the frost's ability to form on your flowers.
4. Cover your flowers. Cover them before dark! After dusk, you have already lost much of the stored heat in your garden.
   • For large flowers: You may want to build a frame around your flowers. (This can simply be a few garden stakes.) Next, drape some sort of cover (plastic tarp, newspaper, sheet, table cover, cardboard, etc.) over your frame. If you don't have the time and/or materials to build a frame, you could just drape a lightweight cover directly over your flowers.
   • For small or individual flowers: You may cover small flowers with glass jars, paper cups, milk jugs with the bottoms removed, upside down flower pots, etc.
5. Important! Remember to remove all covers in the morning to allow your flowers to receive sunlight.
6. Bring potted flowers inside. Potted flowers are more susceptible to frost, because the roots are unprotected. If you can't bring your potted plants inside, be sure to cover them as well. It will also be very helpful if you are able to bury the pot in the soil to help protect the roots.
7. Don't prune. If after all your effort, the frost still managed to cause some damage, don't cut off the damaged parts. These dead leaves and stems will provide a little insulation, helping to protect your flower from further frost damage.

It is very important to take these preventive measures. You've worked hard all spring and summer raising these flowers. Just a bit more effort can extend the lives of your flowers by several weeks, and with help from Mother Nature, possibly months.