Many of us have a few cold-sensitive outdoor plants that have to be repeatedly covered up during winter. During each cold snap, we drag out sheets, blankets, plastic and any other material we can lay our hands on to wrap these plants.
To prevent having to wash sheets and blankets after each cold episode, consider buying a plastic barbecue cover of the right size to amply cover the plant. Heavy felt-backed plastic covers give the most effective protection. These box-shaped covers can be quickly slipped over plants and the bottoms secured with bricks or rocks in case of wind. In addition, they can be quickly folded/unfolded, are easily stored, and don't get soggy in wet weather.
To achieve the best protection, don't put the cover directly on the plant. Instead, put four stakes in the ground a few inches past the outer edges of the plant, with the tops a few inches higher than the foliage. Put the plastic cover over the stakes. This method creates an insulating dead air space around the plant. For plants that are subject to being crushed, the stakes also keep the cover off the foliage.
Just remember that this well insulated box can heat up quickly in the sunshine and must be removed during the day to prevent injury to the plant.
Mary Hamlin, Smith County Master Gardener
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