- Deeply soak the soil around your plants at least a day before the freeze but no more than 6 hours before the deep freeze. Be careful not to get any water on the plants themselves.
- Cover the soil around your plants with a thick layer of mulch.
- Cover the plants (or wrap larger ones) with a frost cloth, sheets, or blankets. If possible, take the cover all the way to the ground to trap warmth from the ground. Keep in mind that 20 mph winds can blow anything off that isn’t weighed down or otherwise secured sufficiently. For heading veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, also consider covering the head with a shirt.
- Build a wind break, such as fabric or plastic sheeting secured to posts.
- Harvest what you can today, so the plants have a chance to form a callous where you cut. An open wound from a cut will lead to more severe dedication and cold damage.
- Cover individual plants with some sort of cloche. Depending on the size of the plant, this could be a tupperware container, kitchen pot, large plastic storage bins, etc. Weigh them down or secure them more than you think would be necessary - a gust of wind blowing any of these over could damage other plants.
The Garden's official policy and steps for freezing weather can be found here.
More information and tips can be found:
https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/plant-problems-and-maintenance/frosts-and-freezes/
Follow the 4 P’s for winter weather safety:
· People – Before going outside, dress in layers to protect yourself from the cold. While heating your home, do not use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, or charcoal-burning device because they generate deadly carbon monoxide gas.
· Pets – Bring your pets inside to keep them warm and safe.
· Pipes – Insulate or cover exposed pipes to protect them from freezing, turn off outside faucets, drip ONE faucet only, if needed.
· Plants – Cover your plants or bring them in.