How To: Protect plants from freezing temperatures

The cold weather can mean bad news for your home garden. But if you take the right measures, you can protect your plants from dying during the winter months. This video will show you to prepare your plants to survive the cold.

Step 1: Consider location
Grow plants near the southwest side of your home to maximize evening winter sun.

Step 2: Water before first freeze
Water your plants before the first freeze. When frost is in the forecast, water your plants in the morning so they're not wet as night approaches.

Step 3: Add mulch
Add 2 inches of mulch around the base of the plants. Common mulches are straw, leaves, and bark.

Step 4: Cover shrubs
Cover your evergreen shrubs with burlap or a fabric that breathes, since plants need air circulation.

Step 5: Cover at sunset
Cover your plants just when the sun is going down. Remove the covers when the sun comes up and temperatures rise above freezing.

Step 6: Block wind
Block frigid winds that can damage your plants with hardy trees and shrubs, or by installing a fence