How to Protect Plants from Frost & Freeze // Gardening with Creekside

It happens every year. After our hydrangeas and perennials begin to wake up from their winter slumber and maybe even after summer annuals have gone into the ground, a frost or freeze hits. Join me as I give you a bit of advice on how to protect your plants from those cold nights. Knowledge is power so let's get into the garden!
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[@shaestrickland1599]

How many of us know to not put out or buy annuals out too early but still does it anyways?.... guilty🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Justmeandjesus19]

I live in iowa and one day it will be sweaty hot and next freezing cold

[@janettrovato1766]

Very helpful video! Don’t think I’ve seen a video on this subject.....and I’ve watched a lot!😉

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

So glad it was helpful!

[@brendadonaldsonsarty2325]

Excellent, timely advice, Jenny. Especially for all our new gardeners out there. :)

[@joanneblair6085]

Great tips. Going to check my forecast. I have a baby hydrangea I don’t want harmed. Thanks🦋💕

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You’re so welcome!

[@francystitches6424]

If you are bringing the pots into the house be sure to check for frogs. Fortunately I found him before my cat did :)

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Oh my goodness! It’s always an adventure isn’t it? 🐸

[@carlavaladez2781]

Haaaaa

[@barbaramccann7944]

Usually I find wind comes with the cold in my northern Michigan garden, so I use clothes pins or binder clips to secure the old bedsheets around my hydrangeas.

[@GengaKim]

Great idea!!

[@ajkirk22]

I had to do that last year also great advice, Cincinnati Ohio 👍🏻

[@AbundantFoodForest]

Great video Jenny!!!🔥🌺🌿👍💚🌷

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you!

[@vickiehogan6387]

Now I’m glad I’ve kept all my nursery pots! Thanks for the tip.

[@sherifaulkner7604]

Jenny, you read my mind - thanks so much for helping a sister out!

[@FrediOlson]

So timely! I was thinking about the Harvest Guard today for down here in VA. Thanks!

[@kimfierek5474]

Very helpful a common event for us Minnesotans in May. I never thought of using my left over plastic garden pots Jenny great tip.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Glad it was helpful!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Hi Jenny and Jerry! My last frost date is a month past yours, but I just can't resist planting some annuals much earlier than I should, knowing full well that they might get nipped by a frost. Heck, if something happens to my early plants, that's just another opportunity for me to go to the greenhouses again! It's a win in my book, lol! Honestly, I don't like to lose plants to frost, but I can't resist going to garden centers and greenhouses! I used to tell my dear husband that gardening (and shopping for garden-related anything) is my drug of choice! Happy Spring! ~Margie

[@oligonzalez4556]

Thank you for all your great information!! 🤗🌿🌹

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sandrakuppersmith3731]

Thank you so for sharing these ideas! I'm in Alabama and it's the beginning of March of 2022 and just planted my azalea and it's getting in the 30s tomorrow night!! Thank you again!

[@boysrus61]

This is perfect timing. We are going to have 28 degrees tonight. I did not know that annuals would be ok. Yes I am new to gardening and your videos are very useful!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You got this!

[@bethheerten1132]

I went to the local Thrift store a couple years ago and bought sheets for practically nothing. I keep them on hand.

[@cynthiaborden4209]

Beth what a great ideal. I'll visit my local thrift store tomorrow

[@trippingwithpippy2317]

That’s what I did too! Goodwill for $2 each

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Totally true Jenny 🥰 we have had so far 2 beautiful days and now they’re giving out snow for the weekend 🪴🌺🪴

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Now we are looking at 2 days in a row of 28 degrees.

[@bihakuma3877]

Love, love your accent. It snowed in our zone 6b last night, and it's been freezing cold the last 2 days. My proven winners pot is covering my hydrangea as I watch this video!😊 And no, as soon as the annuals are available, I'm buying. The greenhouse people scoop all the rare finds. I just move them in and out from an inside sunny window until the last frost date

[@debbiemacy3840]

The struggles of NC spring. Lol Been digging around all day for spreads for shrubs.

[@melindafreeman7087]

Thank you Jenny I will make sure I get mine covered this time.❤

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You’re welcome 😊

[@robinhunter198]

Bless You for posting this video dreading the next 3 nights🌻🌺❤️🌱

[@shannonmistrot1944]

A great much needed video. I learned the hard way about covering with plastic.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Unfortunately failure is a great teacher 😏

[@marilynbaldwin2934]

Very informative always love to watch all videos about everything!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Glad you like them!

[@HinaHeather]

Oh this video is exactly what I need! Just came back to the house after moving my flowers in & out the whole day. Most tricky time for me. Many thanks Jenny!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Yahoo! Glad it was helpful!

[@eunicelunsted]

Great video! You look great in those colours.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you so much

[@lindamills8843]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@katrinatreacy2840]

Thank you for this, all the way from the UK. I have bubble wrap but won’t use it now. Thanks again

[@katrinatreacy2840]

Thank you for your thumbs up. My husband and I got the old dust sheets out to put over the plants. We’ve ‘put them to bed’

[@victorialg1270]

Very helpful. I've got a few old moving blankets. I can (in theory) can have frost any month of the year.

[@michelelara5982]

Perfect to watch during lunch! Yay 😀 Love the Spring season 💕💜🌼🌸

[@pfurr281]

This helped me a lot we had the Spring Fever and bought annuals and put them out so we will try this thanks.NC

[@jackieallgayer9362]

You are too adorable. Thanks for this video!!

[@katiekane5247]

I've got my collection of big buckets, sheets & branches on stand-by for the hosta, ferns & other tender babies. We'll see how low it's going to go. Edit: I use wooden clothespins or landscape fabric staples to affix sheets to the branch bottoms/ground

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Great tip!

[@thedivide3688]

So nippy this year for PNW Spring too. Working on hardscape instead.

[@sammyforaas]

Very informative!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you so much!

[@deborahmac1997]

Great tips!

[@jenniferkasavage165]

You always give the best advice ❤️

[@jimdee]

Good advice. I would add one thing. Make sure your cover, whatever it is, reaches the ground. If it does not, probability of frost damage goes up greatly!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Good point!

[@vutsup1]

Third week of April in Indiana perennials are budding like mad and here comes old man winter for two days. Ugh my poor hydrangeas. Looking forward to retirement in the south.

[@chocolatechipslime]

I planted a top from a pineapple last year, it took root and grew good all summer, I covered with mulch in the winter and it survived here in Alabama and is now growing in its second summer in the ground

[@lindahopkin8597]

Yes i agree here in regina sk it was 60 above sat and now we are just got a nasty blizzard and now about 3 inches of new snow ran out and covered my roses again

[@mardisteffenhagen9405]

This is the hardest lesson to learn ,and will catch even the most seasoned gardener😳

[@theresabarbarisi6247]

Great video, very informative, thanks!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laurenwellman2516]

Thank you thank you thank you! I had to keep reminding myself to be patient because we were having “false spring”. I don’t even like to clean up my flower beds until the treat of frost is gone. It is so hard to be patient. And you taught me something that I’ve been doing wrong- don’t use black plastic. I have used black plastic garbage bags or landscape fabric and have gotten lucky. I won’t use it from now on. 🙏😁

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

So glad I was able to help!!!

[@catherineglinskaya6747]

i have started a new flower bed just three seasons ago, and first two was really tricky to not buy all these great plants in March! what i found this year that helped me a lot - is having perennials in the garden. I have worked these past two years to add them in, and now i see great results. The flowerbed doesn't look empty, perennials are waking up, shrubs have some structure - seeing some activity helps to control the urge :)

[@shirynbaldaccini3385]

Thanks for another great advice!

[@elmaelmar2761]

Very good info!!! Thanks!!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You bet!

[@lilwilliams7277]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You’re welcome!

[@prettysunshine6655]

Thanks Jenny, that was very helpful information.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

So glad!

[@kristantaylor1087]

My azalea is just about to bloom so I covered it in hopes it will save those flowers.

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

Great advice Jen as always. I promise not to plant any annuals just yet 😊

[@lanaroux3393]

Great video, very informative !

[@nadineweiler7747]

I also use old table cloths of varying sizes....of which I have accumulated over the years:)

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Great tip!

[@meldog7925]

Thanks for the information. I was putting plastic on my plants... 😳

[@billyjobobb]

A lot of annuals just won’t do anything if you buy them early. I have Learned to wait til may to plant most of my annuals

[@cynthiaborden4209]

Jenny, you must be a mind reader😊I'm in Zone 6 and we are expecting 2 cold nights this week of 30 and 27 degrees. I have an Endless Summer Hydrangea that needs protection. I have to Lemony Lace elderberry that has new spring growth that was planted in the fall. Should I cover those also? I love your channel. Bye friend😊

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

When in doubt, cover 😊

[@cynthiaborden4209]

@@GardeningwithCreekside I'm in doubt Jenny😊 Thanks

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

@@cynthiaborden4209 😂

[@movinngroovin2104]

Our temperature is going to drop 3 nights here in NC . And I just planted two azalea bushes and geraniums in pots.

[@marilynelliott5380]

I just recently found your site journey and really am enjoying it. Have you ever told us how you keep all of the deer in those woods from coming out and chopping up all your plants? I know it’s a big problem everywhere.

[@mahoganyblue2571]

Just in time! Bought a frost blanket over the weekend but it won't cover everything. But I have plenty of sheets and pots!

[@edit-racha]

Great video!! Thank you for the information.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenakay6961]

Great video!! Thanks

[@la196]

What if they expect the temps to suddenly go at or below freezing for a night or 2 "and" they also expect some rain showers that could get some flakes mixing in by morning? Will that cold wet cloth become a problem laying against the plant leaves? I have window boxes exactly like yours and it just so happens all of my "goldilocks" have survived the winter (Michigan). That's all I'm concerned about at the moment:)

[@Braedenfish]

We have an old wood Hydrangea that is 6feet high and 8 feet wide.....we drive poles in the ground at drip line n one in center and cover with a 2 oldCal King bedspreads we zip tied together years ago. Ez Pz. Where to store this massive thing all year u ask? In the covered bed of the pick up ......to protect it. 👍

[@shipsngigglesfamily]

Thank you. We are passed our frost date (Mar 28th). I was very worried about my panicle and large leaf hydrangeas that have already leafed out, but sounds like they'll be ok. I am going to cover some new calla lilies I planted a couple of weeks ago and 2 salvias (annual) that I bought on accident (and already planted). I thought they were perennials.

[@susans1283]

My husband helped me cover plants this year. He asked if we leave them covered for a few days. I said No, uncover in the morning when above 40F and recover before going to bed, if it’s more than one night. Do you agree?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Agree!

[@carlavaladez2781]

I liv in so calif I had to go buy burlap material at fabric store. Our stores don’t carry covers for plants cause we don’t get much freeze. But we did this year YIKES 😢

[@lulubell711]

76° tomorrow, Tuesday March 30th, and then Thursday morning it's going to be 30° 😱 here in SE TN

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

I feel your pain!

[@lauras5312]

thank you for sharing

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thanks for watching!

[@donnaallen2207]

I know this is a older video, but I was wondering if I should protect my sunshine ligustrum this winter? We planted them this past July and we live in zone 7. Thanks so much for all your help.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Nope! They can handle a zone 7 weather.

[@donnaallen2207]

Thanks for the good news. I thought I had to protect them their first winter being planted 🤷 I'm so glad I won't have that chore. Have a great day 😀

[@moonbear5061]

I will use buckets to protect my catnip plants

[@branch7010]

Hello are you open to the public Friday? I was hoping to take my Mom to your nursery for some Perennials and annuals for her house.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

We are!

[@anitahadley2871]

Thanks so much! What about perennials that were planted this past few weeks, like strawberries?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

They will be fine 🙌🏻

[@christaburford]

Great caution. My city in WV has had a few days up to 80 degrees lately but I hear possibly snow is in our weekly forecast. The weather swings are just crazy! Anywho, would inexpensive painting drop cloths work for plant coverings as I don't have an excessive amount of old sheets? Lol.

[@cherylschumacher1832]

What about a lemony lace elderberry that has started leafing out? We’ve got two nights coming up in the low 30’s😩 I’m in SW TN 7b

[@cynthiaborden4209]

Same here . I asked the same question. Maybe to be on the safe side I'll cover them. Good luck

[@Suburbanoasis]

I think they will be ok, I have them in Michigan and we had 25 degrees last night and they look fine todah

[@cherylschumacher1832]

@@Suburbanoasis thank you so much! We go through this every year, very warm, everything wakes up and then a couple of very cold nights. I lost a Coral Bark Japanese Maple last year.

[@Suburbanoasis]

@@cherylschumacher1832 what a bummer! We have some more cold nights coming here in Michigan and I keep hauling my frost covers out...

[@GengaKim]

Thanks for posting this video. I am busy gathering covers for my plants also. I have a question about Peonies. I'm also in zone 7B. My Peonies have popped up sooner than normal this year and they have lots of buds. I'm assuming they should be covered but wanted to ask to be sure. Also, what about things emerging from the ground, Baptisia, Hosta's, lily's etc? Most of your tips is what I do, but was glad to learn about the plastic. I'll be sure to not do that as I have some in the past. Any help would be appreciated. Love your video's!!

[@emmalavenham]

Can you share how you protect trees from a late frost like apple trees to make sure you get a harvest, or magnolias? Many thanks!

[@weiluo7287]

Just in time, Jenny. How about Peonies?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

They are cold-hardy and do not need to be covered

[@weiluo7287]

Thank you Jenny

[@San_Mar]

Bed sheets are a SUPER NO. The cold stays on the sheet. The top cover stays cold and it kills the top buds.

[@VTtink]

My peonies are starting to come up-do I need to cover them?! Thank you for this!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Mine are about 3-4" tall and I'm not covering mine. They are made to handle these cold temps early on in their development.

[@kel_raiser]

what about my ostrich ferns? they have already started growing and are about 12" tall. maybe the pot/plastic container idea?

[@bdguth07]

What about potatoes in containers? Would you bring those in or just cover them? I have two 20 gallon containers. Covered with more dirt two days ago but foliage is peeking back thru again. Thanks

[@humaaftab9790]

I have BOGAN VALIA grown so well during summer but now winter coming and it will be gone and will not grown again in summer What to do during winter to protect it ,I live in greenville SC

[@billyjones5091]

Good morning Jen, I have a tropical tree called a Norfolk Island pine. In Houston, Texas it will be very cold for the next few days. How long or how many days can I keep my tree wrapped up until it might not be beneficial? Thanks Jen!❤️

[@AdaP143]

Can I do this for my roses to protect them over the winter??

[@FormerTrucker]

I have a plastic jug (Those REALLY Big Plastic jugs that has cheese puffs in it} I have a young tomato plant it's still small. I put this jug over it and a blanket over that. How does that sound for frost protection??

[@MammaLubUSA]

👍❤️🇺🇸

[@shawnamuschamp8972]

😍

[@Peterrdee]

What about hardy gardenias? I have kliems, crown jewel, frostproof and summer snow, I have all of them in a raised bed but. I’m worried if they will die back if frost hits them I’ll see this winter hopefully I can protect them

[@Peterrdee]

I live in zone 8b in Canada and the nursery’s sell all these frost hardy gardenias so im wondering if they will grow well in this climate since most are hardy to zone 7

[@xfilesfan6593]

A burlap bag has holes in it. Wouldn't it defeat the whole purpose?

[@kathbiddle-dutton7069]

Do I need to protect clematis, bleeding hearts, blue bells, … thanks

[@noellanmcdaniel9055]

Thank you soooo much! Question. What about blueberrys? They are in full bloom. Should we cover them?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

I would just to be on the safe side.

[@marianogarcia3025]

I have some hibiscus in a pot outside does the burlap bags are a good option to cover them … pot is to heavy to put inside … thanks

[@rachelknight673]

I was just wondering about this!!! Is it fine to go ahead and plant out hardy perennials? As long as the soil is workable? I’m in 5b. But I figured if places are selling them now then shouldn’t it be OK to plant? Just wondering! I am more of a newbie! Thanks! 😀

[@sheilamartinson6736]

Just put azalea in the ground last week is it still safe from frost?

[@marythomson3229]

I didn’t know I needed to cover my Panicle Hydrangea! Do Oakleafs need to be cornered too??? Thank you!!

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

I think you misunderstood, panicles do NOT need to be covered, nor do oakleafs as they are cold hardy. Just another reason to love them!

[@marythomson3229]

@@GardeningwithCreekside, oops. I meant macrophyla. Glad I don’t have to cover the Oakleaf plants. 👍

[@sheilamartinson6736]

Can I cover rose bushes with plastic?

[@charlynnekovach6919]

Here in southwestern Virginia, I will need to cover my hydrangeas this week. What about if it is raining (or light snow) and the low is 27? Should I cover and let the old sheets get wet, then dry them for the next night?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

No, rain & snow actually act as an insulation so leave them uncovered.

[@veronicaalta9462]

Just what I needed, what about Lily’s ? Crêpe myrtles?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Nope! They are good!

[@kristycannon7923]

So, I watched this video because we were having a hard frost in NC the past couple of nights! I did cover my 2 hydrangeas susceptible to frost as suggested. Thanks. BUT, I planted two brand new (well 7ft tall) crepe myrtles last October, and I was so happy to see their new leaves showing up this spring already, so happy! Read this post about "not having to worry about crepe myrtles".....didn't cover them. First night ok, last night ok at midnight before bed. This morning....all the new leaves are toast! They look terrible!!! I hope they will both recover as they are front and center in front of my home. Note to self: if you want crepe myrtles to survive, cover them! 😖

[@veronicaalta9462]

@@kristycannon7923 mine are toasted too . They are newly planted , I did purchase around October also.

[@veronicaalta9462]

And my lilies too 😧

[@zaty31]

Jenny I still haven’t planted my shrubs like the ones you have in the corner by the window in this video (the yellow and green). I got them at Creekside two Saturdays ago and waiting on the gutter guy to install new gutters before planting. If we get them planted this week will we have to cover them? I also got some of the shrubs that have the tiny berries on them that are blue. Can’t think of the names.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

They will be perfectly fine! Mine will stay right there, and I won't do a thing to them.

[@melodyharrell5687]

@@GardeningwithCreekside What are those plants you had in the corner in the video? Pittosporum?

[@newarkgardener6187]

What about the fruit trees?

[@MyCottageGarden_Natalie]

Hi , i am in GA zone 7b, i have bought a lot potted rose 3gallon with a lot of buds and look healthy. Is it ok if i plant them tomorrow before the last frost day this weekend?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Absolutely!

[@paulinelane7316]

Do these plants not need any sun at all after you cover them?

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

They are only covered at night to protect them from the frost