Protect your plants from cold weather
Tyson Beauchemin
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Home gardeners should prepare to protect sensitive plants from possible upcoming cold weather. Dropping temperatures can damage vulnerable plants and fruit tree blossoms.
Normally, early spring would be a time for planting. But, Central Oregonians should hold off for now. Some plants might already have cold damage. Amy Jo Detweiler, a community horticulturist for the OSU Extension Service, pointed out plants that were struggling in these temaptures.
Detweiler further explained, “you have fruit trees, for example, that are the blossoms are starting to open up, you might want to protect those because if the blossoms get cold injury or damage to them, then you won’t get fruits set on that plant. And we’ve already seen a little bit of that happening with certain fruit trees that bloomed earlier this, this month.”
To protect plants, consider purchasing frost cloth or using plastic or fabric sheets. Alternatively, individual plants can be covered overnight with a pot or bucket.
Understanding a plant’s origin is also beneficial. Plants raised in the valley may not be acclimated to lower local temperatures. These plants should be brought inside to ensure their survival if conditions allow.
Gardeners should take immediate steps to protect vulnerable plants in anticipation of cold temperatures. Moving unadapted plants indoors or covering them with protective materials can prevent damage and safeguard future fruit yields.