Freeze Warning: What You Can Do to Protect Your Plants This Winter

If you’ve lived in Tucson for a while, then you know that we do get below freezing several times throughout the winter months. All it takes is one especially cold evening to deliver a crippling blow to your garden. As long as you keep an eye on the weather report and take the appropriate measures, you should be able to keep your garden intact until spring. Here are a few tips for protecting your desert plants this winter:

Choose Cold-Tolerant Plants

When choosing plants for your landscape, it’s important to be realistic. If you plant delicate varieties, you shouldn’t expect them to make it through the winter. Instead, you should choose plants that are well adapted to the Southwest climate. Autumn sage, bunny ears cactus, and red yucca are just a few beautiful plants that should thrive in your Tucson garden. To learn more about cold-resistant plants, consult your landscaper. 

Use Frost Blankets

If it gets cold enough, even your cold-tolerant plants may not survive without the proper protection. If the temperature is slated to get well below freezing overnight, you should consider putting frost blankets over your garden. Several different manufacturers offer special frost blankets, though you can also use old blankets or bed sheets. Never use plastic as it is not a good insulator. Be sure to put a light beneath the blankets to generate additional heat, and remove the tarp in the morning so your plants can get some sun. 

If you have any questions about how to keep your plants alive this winter, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. Our three owners have over 75 years of combined experience in the landscaping business, and their love of the craft shows in their work.