With the cold temperatures of winter comes the possibility of frost, which can damage the plants in your landscape. While most plants usually leaf out again when the weather warms, some plants don't fare as well.

Frost damages plants when the foliage loses moisture faster than the plants can replace it. This can happen because the soil is dry or because the water or moisture in the ground normally available to the plant is frozen. Most frost damage can be prevented by understanding and following a few basic principles.

There are definite warning signs that can help determine the possibility of a hard frost. If you notice low temperatures (45° or lower at 10 p.m.), a clear sky, little to no breeze, and dry air at bedtime, bring any potted plants that might be at risk into the garage or at least under a porch roof or eaves.

For plants in the ground (and outside potted plants), make sure the soil is moist when frost is expected. Moist soil holds and releases more heat than dry soil, which will help create a more humid environment around the plant when the frost pulls moisture from the foliage of the plant. Never hose down a plant in the morning after a frost. Allow the plants to thaw naturally and gradually, or you may rupture the plant cells in the leaf tissue.

There are products that can help prevent frost damage. Spraying frost-tender plants with Cloud Cover, an anti-transpirant, will help provide 2-4 degrees of extra insulation from the cold by reducing the amount of moisture a plant gives off. Anti-transpirants are non-toxic and dry clear.

The most protective measure is to actually cover tender plants. We recommend the handy, reusable drawstring bags from Frost Pro-Tek or the Easy Gardener Plant and Seed Blanket, which is on a roll. This can help prevent frost damage by providing an extra 2-6 degrees of protection. These clear covers can be left on day and night and can be draped directly on plants. If you choose to use blankets, burlap or plastic, make sure to fasten them securely over frames or stakes so that they do not touch the plant. Otherwise they will transfer the cold directly to the plant and damage whatever they are touching. Remove these coverings during the daytime to allow the plants to absorb sunlight.

If you don't already have mulch around your plants, add a 2-3" layer of mulch or top dressing like Mini Mulch. This helps the soil retain moisture and stay warmer, as well as giving the roots some insulation from the cold.

Wait to prune frost-sensitive plants until after (usually mid-March) the danger of frost has passed and new growth has started. If your plant is injured, leave the damaged foliage on the plant so it will act as a protective layer to the foliage beneath. Trimming the plant too early may stimulate new growth that can be damaged by further frosts.

If you have any questions about which plants to protect, just ask one of Yamagami's garden experts. We'll be happy to help you make sure you're equipped properly to fend off the damaging effects of frost. Pick up a copy of our FREE "How to Protect your Garden from Jack Frost" Guides for even more ideas. Yamagami’s Nursery helped you choose those plants, and we want you to succeed...the first time!