Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension offers tips to protect plants from cold weather
(MIAMI, February 19, 2015) – The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS, is advising County residents on how to protect plants from cold weather.
Frosts and freezes can damage low-growing landscape and vegetable plants. Some tropical plants may get mild damage in the lower 40’s. Sensitive plants should be covered in fabric sheets for protection. Avoid using plastic.
Cold Weather Tips:
- One to two days before a frost or freeze, water cold-sensitive plants.
- The day of the cold temperatures (low 40’s and 30’s), bring potted plants indoors or wrap with fabric sheets.
- If a frost or freeze is expected in the immediate area, cover vegetable beds with fabric bed sheets with the edges tucked into the soil.
Cool Tools:
The University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension office has fact sheets on preventing cold damage as well as how to care for injured plants.
The Extension office also has weather stations in the interior areas of the county. You can see live the temperatures at different heights, relative humidity, and wind speed/direction.
The University of Florida has a state-wide weather station system (FAWN) which you can monitor to see how quickly temperatures are changing as well as other useful information.
For more information, visit the University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension website.
# # #
It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call at least five days in advance.