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