How To Protect Plants From COLD: 3 Ways That ACTUALLY Work!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If you enjoyed this video, please *LIKE* it and share it to help increase its reach! Thanks for watching 😊TIMESTAMPS for convenience: <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="0">0:00</a> Introduction To Plant Protection <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="97">1:37</a> How To Use Plant Covers Correctly <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="256">4:16</a> How To Protect Vegetable Gardens From Cold <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="577">9:37</a> How To Protect Trees From Cold <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="633">10:33</a> Proven Cold Protection Trick #1 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="724">12:04</a> Proven Cold Protection Trick #3 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="869">14:29</a> Proven Cold Protection Trick #3 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1114">18:34</a> How To Use A Plant Jacket <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1321">22:01</a> Adventures With Dale

[@karenwood8124]

Hopefully, this will give you a giggle! When you mentioned NOT using LED lights,it reminded me of the time we put lights all around some cold sensitive veggies on our front deck. We then covered everything with a double layer of sheets. Everything died. At first, we were puzzled, then I looked at the box the lights came in, and took hold of the lights themselves. You guessed it..LED. Not a speck of heat. We never made THAT mistake again!

[@thinkathena2]

I have only one Meyer lemon tree this year. So I brought it inside today and turned it into this year's Christmas Tree 🎄

[@rpdx3]

Good idea. My Key Lime got killed last year by a few very cold days. 😢 Actually the key lime part got killed, but the root stock was still alive and putting out braches in the spring before I realize what was going on 😂

[@thinkathena2]

@@rpdx3 I'm in NC zone 8a-ish we do get a number of cold days. I plan to get more citrus next year. However, for this year, Lucy the lemon tree gets to hang out indoors for the rest of the winter. 🍋

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Nice! Hopefully it has some nice lemon ornaments on it 🍋

[@sonyas.5639]

Wow great idea 😊 thank you for sharing

[@pobo6113]

There is a popular KZbin gardener channel that was complaining about the up coming weather. He was saying how he was going to loose his plants because of the temperature drops that were expected. So I told him how to do what you are doing. Well he poo pod my advice and lost his plants. I’m very glad you have posted this video and I hope people will try it. Thanks

[@donu3401]

It's especially important for young trees and plants. This channel really give me some good ideas.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That is a shame. Plant loss is highly preventable. As a gardener, we are always trying to build a better mousetrap and find a better way.

[@MrGrowit1]

He may be a popular KZbin gardener, but he’s an idiot for turning down your suggestions. I’ve saved plants in near zero temp weather by introducing heat sources and cover just like is shown here. It works.

[@pobo6113]

@ and that is why I do not watch him anymore!

[@ooohlaa13]

I so admire and appreciate your savvy and no nonsense no music or attempt to be entertaining, just pure instruct and great demos. Then for a warming touch we get to see Dale and he's all the charm we need to make our day. Thanx so much!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Well, I hope I'm *A LITTLE* entertaining 😂 I don't want to bore anyone.

[@baneverything5580]

I have green tree frogs living on my mulberry trees. One wanted inside before a cold spell last year and came back in through a hole where my solar panel cable goes outside. I didn`t know the hole was unsealed, put the frog out that day, but that night as a cold front was coming it came back inside along with an Anole lizard. So I let them both stay on my indoor basil plant until it warmed back up. Ha!

[@baneverything5580]

Peppers are easy to grow inside. I kept one alive for years. I also have 3 year old tomatoes and basil that has a thick stem with bark like a tree. I trim the basil back to a stem after it makes seeds and bring it inside and it sprouts and grows back in the winter. I just got 8 more varieties of basil because the bees love the blooms in late fall. I wanted Holy Basil but saw an 8 pack including it for just a little more.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I have a 6 year old pepper plant. I've been meaning to make a video about it. The trunk looks like a strangler fig.

[@furryplantsandcoins9070]

Yeah I brought three of my pepper plants back in for the winter. I'm hoping they survive throughout the winter. Last time I did that they did not survive the whole time unfortunately.😢 I think it's cuz I tried to use some girl lights with them and they didn't want nothing to do with it. This year I'm not putting girl lights on them.

[@biscuit7910]

I can't say anything any better than what has already been said. I'm so very, very thankful you are here with gardening expertise. Thank you ❤

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I’m happy I can help. Plant death is preventable!

[@GodKnowsITry45]

I live in N. Ga and it has been down to 25F for a few nights. I have kept my summer eggplants warm by using Christmas tree lights and clearish plastic. So far so good.

[@madfishinskillz]

I just wrapped my figs - getting down to 22 tonight!

[@barco581]

Here in Boston the cold has set in. My collard greens got snowed on yesterday with temps in the 20s. But no pests, limited weeds, no mosquitos, no humidity, and the collards are thriving and growing. Thanks to you I am really enjoying winter gardening!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad to hear everything is doing well. Another big cold shot is coming, so be prepared.

[@peacejoylove]

A green thumb wannabe here, inspired to change this with your tutelage here on YT. Your no-nonsense explanations as you impart your processes and experiences are so appreciated. Many, many thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@moondoghalo]

Our fig was planted in the early 1980's and is probably 12 feet tall. We are in Texas and I remember being on a forum about fig bushes and the gentleman was recommending everybody cut their fig bush back, after we had "ice mageddon", and warning that probably most of them would die. Honestly I just couldn't bring myself to cut her in the cold. I didn't do it and continued with my usual routine of taking off dead branches and using them as "stakes" in my garden. Our fig bush came back in full glory. We are going to move in the next 2 years and the thought of leaving the fig behind is a pain on my heart. I don't know if I can take a part of her and replant her, where we are going, but I guess I need to do some research on that. She has been our joy (and breakfast) for 25 years. Thank you for this info on keeping plants/trees "warm" in winter. Never thought of Christmas lights!

[@Janotes]

You can take cuttings and try to root them. Also depending on your time line the " air layer " method could work on a few branches. You can google these methods. Good luck.

[@moondoghalo]

@@Janotes Thank you for the info. I will definitely look into "air layer".....haven't heard that before.

[@madfishinskillz]

@@moondoghalo Take some cuttings when dormant and root indoor as well!! But air layering and summer rooting cuttings is much easier. You can just stick cuttings in a pot of dirt in the shade and some will root.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That's probably the best thing that could've happened to your fig. It is *critically* important to cut back most fruit trees, especially figs. Figs are only produced on new season's wood. In order to get lots of new growth, you need to seriously cut them. We're talking HARD. I cut my figs back 75%. The more you cut them back, the more new wood, the more figs you'll get. Unpruned fruit trees are very unproductive. Every orchard "tips" their trees to encourage new growth, or you don't get fruit.

[@honeybadgers1996]

Great tips. I really like the pickle barrel idea. Goodness, I have not seen frogs in many many years. Reminds me of my childhood. Mr. Dale is always on his opossum hunting mode. He’s such a great yard keeper. Thank you for sharing the video.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

We have a lot of critters here. I have frogs and lizards all over the place. My yard has become a magnet for them with all the plants.

[@jm72309]

I’ve been using masonry ladder as a hoop house. I will definitely try the pvc. Thanks!

[@jSheapullen]

I use masonry ladder but lengthwise not across. I clip on plastic and lined tablecloths at night. Works great!!!

[@jSheapullen]

I keep the ladders low to the ground too. Less air flow...more heat trapped.

[@douellette7960]

For a few degrees protection, there's still value in covering smaller plants with any type of fabric (not plastic) or even an inverted pot or other container. You'll be trapping radiant heat that's naturally given off from the soil under the canopy. Most effective if there's moisture in unmulched soil and it has been exposed to sun during the day. It's important to cover the plant (all the way to ground) before sunset and then remove the cover when temps are above freezing again. This works to extend season on both sides.

[@florencejessup2432]

Exactly. This is how floating row covers are designed to be used.

[@douellette7960]

@@florencejessup2432Thought I'd address that since it's strange that this video specifically states there exists no natural source of radiant heat there. Well it's the dark and moist soil warmed by the sun obviously. On that note, the biggest mistake homeowners make is not allowing the covering to go all way to ground, letting the warmer air escape. That, and using plastic sheeting as covers.

[@anthonyperron6741]

That meyer lemon tree is righteous!! I can't wait until your cara cara fruits!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

My Cara Cara fruited the first year, but it took last year off. It's building roots. It'll probably do something this year. The downside of planting them under tree cover is they grow more slowly due to less sun.

[@Avo7bProject]

I knew a video like this was coming, with these nights in the teens and low 20s all week in N.C.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Unfortunately, it looks like the next 4 nights will be even worse than the previous 4.

[@PeterEntwistle]

Great video! I have learnt so much from your protection videos over the years. I used a similar method to protect my clementine and avocado trees. We had a few lows down to -4°C (24.8°F) 2 weeks ago in my area (NW England, UK), thankfully it's a bit milder again at the moment, but the incandescent lights managed to keep my trees protected. The avocado was only planted this year, but the clementine made it through the winter last year with the same protection down to at least -6°C (21.2°F).

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That's excellent! Citrus and avocado trees in England. So cool!

[@kentuckycowboy7660]

❤ yes it does. Last three nights in the low 30s upper 20s . I ‘ve used a breathable 10x30 blanket plant cover 5-gallon buckets 🪣 (3) filled with water and 8-ish 100 string of incandescent lights only with the pcv-pipe hoops. My pepper 🌶️ plants like 20 of them still have flowers and peppers 🌶️ and are growing more flowers . Dam crazy resilient results for a bunch of sensitive tropical pepper plants

[@kentuckycowboy7660]

❤ Target and Lowes has 100 string of Christmas incandescent lights . I bought 25 boxes for $75 dollars and they work for three raised beds worth of pepper eggplant orkra and still young cabbage/broccoli/kale Plants

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Please keep in mind the mini-lights are really poor at generating warmth. Unless the plant is 12-18 inches tall with a small cover, they don't do a lot. The C9's are really what you want for any decent-sized tree. They are more expensive, but they're worth it, and the strands are made a lot better. The whole strand doesn't go out when a light or two burns out. They're much heavier duty.

[@shannaciano1804]

It's getting harder to find C9's. They are replacing them with Led's 😊

[@flintstonegirl3372]

Thank you for this informative video Anthony! You always explain things so well! I have a few pineapples I trying to grow. Now, I think I'll put them on my south wall & use your tricks ❤

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Ah, I hope to grow pineapples one day! It sounds so nice.

[@lisagarrett6966]

I wish I learned this before 5 years ago. The freeze in Texas killed everything. Now I know. Thank you !! Merry Christmas!

[@shannaciano1804]

Even this method wouldn't have saved the plants that year.

[@mikedomico8147]

Greetings Marcus! This is a great video. Thank You! I live in central Illinois and currently have two potted olive trees in my garage in a plastic dome. What temperature will it take to have them go dormant and how long should they remain dormant? Thanks a ton. Mike

[@BritishWestIndian]

I decorated my Camellia topiary with those large Christmas lights last year and it unexpectedly saved my blooms when temps dipped into the 20s

[@TheMillennialGardener]

They're pretty effective. As soon as you plug them in, they immediately warm your hands. After awhile, those bulbs get very warm.

[@lupitacameron9693]

I live in a mild winter area but once in a while we have a freeze warning. Great suggestion of using fitted sheets as covers for my citrus trees. Thanks for sharing your experiences, much appreciated.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Make sure to place incandescent Christmas lights on them if you are going to get a true freeze if they're non-hardy citrus varieties. A sheet alone will freeze through and will only protect against frost.

[@peckfamily995]

I like to use a product called Wilt Pruf. A pine oil based product with a milky color and dilute it with water. Apply with a hand or pump sprayer to the leaves. It dries clear and helps reduce moisture loss due to cold and wind.

[@nancycuppy3213]

Thank you so much for all your great ideas and tips....love seeing all your citrus trees. You encouraged me to purchase figs and citrus trees...I am in Indiana. We are trying to keep our greenhouse warm enough with this freezing weather. Thank you bunches!!

[@vegardno]

Just a response to the aquarium heater comment. Those things are designed to be safe in water, which is one reason I prefer them somewhat over other heating solutions outdoors. I tried it for the first time this year and it's worked really, really well. It's a good backup for if when you don't have strong sun to charge the water before a freeze, too, but you do need to remember to turn them on before the freeze itself as it takes a long time (many hours) to heat up the water. It's also a good backup for power outages in the same sense that you mentioned in the video (you can have a power outage during the night when you really need the heat, but it's fine because you charged the water during the day). To be fair, though, I'm more scared of the mixing water and electricity aspect than the potential fire hazard. 300W aquarium heaters are like $15 so it's also a really cheap solution. Anyway, I'd encourage giving it a try before dunking on it -- for me it's just a really good backup. Thanks for all the other tips, I did get water barrels for my avocado trees (first year outside) after watching your previous videos.

[@susanchristensen1500]

So grateful for the plant jackets, just did this for my citrus in pacific northwest in Western Washington state. Been worried not enough air, sun, etc now feel way better

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Plant jackets are an incredible innovation. I try to spread the word as much as possible this time of year!

[@palmcoast35]

Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@austintrees]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="907">15:07</a> - 🧐🤔 that seemed intended 🤥🤣 What about simple protection for trees that are really young, but are rated for the growing don't they're in... Like heavy mulching, tree tubes, or even decent sized rocks to cover the ground where the root system is... What do you recommend for young trees that just need a little protection their first few years?

[@lectrickitty]

I love your hoops. They can hold shade cloth in the heat of summer! I have a problem with plants burning up in summer, so I'll try this next year.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Shade cloth works *incredibly* well. Don’t forget to use insect netting in spring and fall!

[@SharonOtto-e7c]

Great information, thanks for sharing. Just what I wanted to know.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cassieamaya9744]

Needed this! Saved it for next year. We had some frost in GA and my babies didn't make it.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Sorry to hear. You can continue to plant out your garden in GA. You can sow seeds year round. Just cover them next time. I recommend starting fresh today.

[@cassieamaya9744]

@@TheMillennialGardener Oh that's great news!

[@TheRooflesstoofless]

Last season I was able to snag that same brand of lights at some stupid crazy good price after the holidays were over. They’re on my citrus trees and mangos now. Was nervous about the mangos but so far so good!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If there is any left on clearance, it is a great time to buy. They are rarely left in stock at the big box stores, but once I found them online and bought a dozen of them. I still have a bunch of unopened boxes in storage, just in case.

[@jessicapayne8622]

I just got done of them small, plastic greenhouses and put the plants in there for the winter. I’m in England and it can get rather cold. Bubble wrap is ok for the rain and cool temps but but not for the frost. I also put in a hot water bottle when it’s really cold!😊😊

[@cdelores]

Thanks so much. Your channel has been helpful to me. I’m in Durham and this is my first season planting trees. I planted apple, pear, peach, and figs. I plan to expand to lemon and a few more. Is it too late to plant a lemon tree? If so when should I plant and where did you purchase yours?Thanks again

[@Happygrumpysmile]

Dale is adorable! Tree frogs too! 🐸

[@TheMillennialGardener]

He’s something else 😆 🐶

[@lesliebehrens7252]

I have always wondered about the finer points of protection and plant damage. Frost vs Freeze. Thank you!!!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Frost can be damaging, freeze can be damaging, but when you combine the two, that is the most damaging by far. You can't always stop a freeze, but you *can* always stop frost formation. If you're growing freeze-hardy plants, keeping the frost off the leaves really do increase their chances of success.

[@lesliebehrens7252]

@ can’t thank you enough. 🎄

[@riffmondo9733]

Great video and cool advice. I remember those old school lights. Great idea. I was pondering a 100 watt lightbulb solution but your idea is much mote practical and efficient.

[@claustelmach5305]

I did this last year for my aloe Vera which are so susceptible to freeze and they did sooo awesome like nothing happened, I used the incandescent lights and covered with paint cloth,awesome, thanks!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Last night, we scraped 19.9 degrees. My avocado tree only hit 38.5. Nearly 20 degrees of protection! This stuff works.

[@logtop6416]

Great tips! I live in Europe in a zone similar to USDA zone 8a and our winter night temperatures are usually between -6 C and -4 C (21 F and 25 F), but sometimes we might get even to -10 C (14F) for short periods. I followed these tips and my calamondin, Satsuma mandarin, olive tree and bay laurel tree are doing fine with no sign of damage, even our pink oleander does not have any damage at all. I also have a Yuzu lemon and a Trifoliate lemon but I am not covering them yet as these ones are more hardier.

[@annelemay3565]

Great info! Thanks. What do you use/recommend for the pathways between your beds? I live in southeast Texas where it is hot and humid in the summer and wet in the winter. Needs to drain well and easy to walk on. Many thanks!

[@nocobirds]

This is a great video! I have a persimmon that is rated down to zone 6, and I’m in 5B. I’m going to try the incandescent lights under a tree blanket this winter to help it through the coldest nights. We have been down to - 20 F a few times over the years. Also, since we have tons of squirrels, I have found that it is necessary to protect the wires of any lights with a mesh cable jacket. It seems to thwart the squirrels’ efforts to chew through any thinner electrical wiring.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The plant jackets can sit on for months, especially on a deciduous tree, since it'll be dormant. I've never used this method to protect a deciduous tree, but I don't see why it won't work. It would probably be a good idea to prune the tree before you add the protection, though, if the tree is large so it fits comfortably.

[@howardfowler2255]

Instead of hoops for my kale,bunch onions,and leaf lettuce I use thin wood slats( off of free wood pallets) or branchesfrom my neighbors trees that are placed in ground amongst my veggies and that clear the tops of those veggies by a foot or so. The slat tops have old socks on so the frost blankets dont get punctured. Also,I use old blankets and sheets if extra cold protection is needed( down to 10 F.). If rain is predicted,Ill toss on a plastic tarp to shed moisture.On sunny milder winter days I take off the tarp,sheets,and frost blankets and let the veggies get some solar.This winter garden patch is on the south wall of my house and gets 5-7 hours sunlight. With my system I harvested veggies most of last winter even when temps got into the single digits! I' m in zone 7b,eastern Tenn. ( elevation 1160'). Other cold hardy veggies would probably work ,too. My only real cost is the tarp(s) and the frost blankets( about $40 total) which should last for years with good care. I like MG' s three way system for the fruit trees as per this video. Thanks Mr.MG!

[@TheHappySensitive]

ah, old socks! Brilliant. I was mucking around with all kinds of materials the previous years and didn't find anything satisfactory. Am going to try old socks!

[@megaworldbuilder4369]

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this video. Now I’m wondering, if there are multiple cloudy days in a row (like so often happens in winter) do the barrels still warm up?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Yes, but not as much. The barrel's protection eventually will wear off if it stays consistently cold and/or there is no sun. However, these cold blasts usually come with clear skies, and they tend not to last more than 3-5 days. I haven't had a trouble with those such durations.

[@megaworldbuilder4369]

@@TheMillennialGardenerThanks!

[@tomknack]

Unfortunately, the valley I live in develops an inversion layer and fog for many days every year around now. I think I'd have to find a way to heat the water inside the barrels in order to get any benefit during these foggy days and weeks. I don't think the southern side of my house helps much when the sun doesn't shine on it for days. If our elevation were around 2000 feet, we'd have that winter sun above the fog, but the valley ranges from 1300 to 1700 feet in elevation.

[@rur13223]

Excellent explanations. Great analogies. 👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@slydog7131]

From a previous video (the fruit tree vid) I picked up on your light string idea. Got a 25-ft string, total about 170 watts, for my smallish raised bed. I use a temperature-controlled outlet that I set to go on at 34 and off at 38. The connections are in a waterproof box. Once the heavy frost blanket is on, it's set and forget, though during warmer spells I peel the frost blanket back to allow in more sunlight in our otherwise cloudy days. I also have a remote temperature sensor which allows me to monitor the temperature to make sure all is ok. If it gets too cold, I can add a small electric heater for a boost (all on a GFCI plug).

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Sounds like an automated system. Glad it is working out for you.

[@FloridaGirl-]

I got some incandesent big bulbed lights this winter.4 boxes) on Amazon. “Just in case”, we get a frost. Doesnt happen often. But it has happened. I think your method is brilliant! 👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I think I have 10 “spare” just-in-case boxes in my attic 😆

[@FloridaGirl-]

I appreciate your channel. And all the links you post. Plus all the good deals when you run across them. I got those soaker hoses you showed this year (set then up today actually) , and more coco bricks. That was a good deal. Thanks so much. Love your channel

[@rcgkreations]

Great info & thanks to you, in have ordered the freeze cloths, tie closed freeze bags. Hoops & clips, Greenhouse setting up & ready for winter. Thank you

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@tracywilliams5779]

Great information. I love your tree frogs. And your pup Dale.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! Dale says hi 🐶

[@patrickdurkin3157]

I got home from thanksgiving vacation to some minor damage to my plants in Maryland zone 7b, but most made it through ok, with a quick drop down to 23F the other night. I need to build those hoop structures for my beds, I’m wishing I had before. We hadn’t had a frost, and then got a freeze, after a rain. I am really glad I put a huge layer of leaf mulch of my plants would be toast like the rest of my community garden. It’s just me left gardening in there now. You are inspiring, I am going to get a brown select satsuma next year, and grow it against my townhome foundation. I have a west facing brick wall, but the space is windy, will these heat protection methods be for nothing if there is too much wind? Is there a way to create a wind break that wouldn’t look to out of place near a front porch? I am open to all ideas, I was thinking of trying to grow grapes or an espalier tree or shrub to provide a natural wind break. Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Thanks for making these videos, it’s inspiring. I love seeing how people create microclimates it’s really cool to see. I am going to wall in my back yard and use every inch to make a potager garden out back with espalier trees and columnar trees, to utilize every inch of my 30 foot by 20 foot back yard. Your video about fruit trees are very valuable. You have convinced me to redo my landscape in a beautiful way and to maximize my food production. I lost 57 pounds in the last six months gardening, eating healthy vegetables I grew because of your videos along with others, and my degree in environmental science. It’s really cool to combine my interests and reach such milestones, and you are an inspiration, I had wanted to start a garden for years, and KZbinrs like you have me the push, and I must say, you are a fantastic motivational speaker. I thank you, because you have helped me save money, lose weight, and eat the best I ever have in my life, while helping me help my wife with her health, she can’t eat processed foods anymore and it would be to expensive for us if not for growing it ourselves. You have done so much for my family, I can’t wait to see what you post next. Keep it up! Thank you.

[@kentuckycowboy7660]

❤ yes it does. I pulled 8 summer plants under the front porch and just wrapped a 100 string of incandescent lights and three 5-gallons of buckets 🪣 around them only and they were green as anything the upper 20s and they were go to go 🌼 no wilting of leaves no dead looking flowers nothing… so crazy

[@agentxpandaz]

Great video and great timing !!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks!

[@danieltucker3196]

I saw further down in the comments where a person asked about keeping frost covers on for an extended period of time and the colors you used. You said your covers where on for 4 days and would probably be on for another 4. I'm going away for 10 days and was wondering how your 8-day covering went? Is there anything I might want to do to prepare the plants in advance for this extended covering? As always thank you for all your useful informationa and advice.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The covers I specifically use are made from agricultural fabric. They are row covers that let in light and rain. They can be left on for weeks or months at a time. Mine were left on for 10 days straight with no problems. I've left my avocado covered for nearly a month straight in a particularly bad stretch. As long as you use row covers, it is fine. You cannot use opaque frost blankets, tarps, bed sheets, etc., for more than a couple days on evergreen trees, because they don't let light through.

[@obiwankenoobi4202]

Thank you so much for putting the (my avocado tree) next to the plant jacket. So much easier that way!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I figured it would help. It is impossible to tell otherwise.

[@obiwankenoobi4202]

​@@TheMillennialGardenerso true!

[@stephaniejackson8555]

Seriously, I love your info videos. That said, I live in Utah and can't follow your advice for weather difference. Have saved $$ with your tips, Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You can, but just not for the same stuff. Unless you live in St. George, citrus and avocados may be off the table, but you can probably grow Asian persimmons and figs using these tips and tricks. Having a beautiful Mediterranean-style garden with figs and persimmons in Utah would be a slice of heaven, and the dry summers would produce top quality figs.

[@arlan01]

Marcus, thank you for your help. When using the smart plug with lightbulbs or small heaters, sometimes I blow the smart plug. Do you know how to prevent this or how to repair these smart plugs?

[@mdjordjevic08]

Thank you for another awesome video!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@superdave336]

I have a black 55 gallon drum of water in my unheated greenhouse. It helps but not by 10 degrees. With the extra tarp over greenhouse I'm 4 degrees over outside temp. I'm thinking while it gets some it doesn't get enough full sunlight during the day to charge it. To late now but I need to get some of the jackets for my exposed fig trees and eventually my Owari Satsuma. Thanks for video and the links.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The greenhouse has much more air volume. You'd need to add more barrels to warm that much air mass. If you're using one of those small polycarbonate hobby greenhouses, they lose warmth incredibly fast at night. They don't work too well unless you're actively heating them or the sun is out.

[@superdave336]

@@TheMillennialGardener It’s one of the small cow panel greenhouses I built. I’ll try to add more water mass as well as more tarps. The temperature dropped to 18 degrees here last night and according to my sensor push the greenhouse dropped to 27. That’s actually not bad. Thanks

[@GamerdevilPro]

Good video, will be relevant for me in the future. I just got my hands on some fruits of cold hardy avocado varieties (Fuerte and Bacon, Del Rio is impossible to find here) and I plan to plant the seeds to be able to grow avocado trees outside here. I think so far we didnt have more than 8 hours of light frost this season and only a handful of times so it should work out in my area, I think the climate isn't too dissimilar from where you live, at least in the winter. Olive, Fig and pomegranate are fine here... Alternatively to the lights there are also special outdoor heat wires designed for safeguarding plants with a temperature sensor. Not sure what the english name for these is tho.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Please keep in mind avocados do not grow true. If you plant a seed, the tree may not be cold hardy at all, even if it came from a cold hardy tree. The genetics will be random and unique. The only way to guarantee a cold hardy avocado is to buy a known grafted variety. Also, a known grafted variety Will fruit in 2-4 years. A seed grown tree will likely take a decade on average to fruit.

[@GamerdevilPro]

@TheMillennialGardener Oh trust me I know but I have been looking for the avocado cultivars I want for well over a year across all of Europe and didn't just find no *good* offer but no offers at all! So it's actually just my only option if I want to have a shot at an avocado variety that isn't Hass, which is the only one you can find in stores here. I just found *one* online seller that sells some non-hass fruits because they partnered with a few Spanish and Italian farmers who grow them for local markets.

[@joselatorre1575]

Awesome! Thank you

[@docgrowsfood]

I use the incandescent lights + plant jacket strategy on my Pickering mango on Central FL zone 9B. It never gets cold enough here for long enough to kill a mature mango tree, but a poorly timed hard freeze when the tree is blooming can spell doom for the next season’s harvest, so I don’t take any chances.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I imagine it works well. It is currently 27 degrees while I’m typing this, but my avocado tree is at a comfy 45 degrees. It’s truly astounding how well it works.

[@docgrowsfood]

@@TheMillennialGardener With the cold protection strategies you've developed at your property there in NC, you'll be able to grow pretty much all manner of tropical fruit when you transition to your property in FL. You won't have to protect citrus and avocado anymore, but instead can do it for mamey sapote and soursop!

[@sunfloweracres9b327]

Great information. Thank yiu.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dorinelloyd9773]

Where do you get the pickle barrels? Thanks for the knowledge!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I placed a link in the video description that shows you how to use rain barrels and exactly how to find them. I found my source via Craigslist. Sometimes, you can get them free.

[@Thingys-Jill]

Since I'm in the Boise, ID area, I brought my Meyer lemon indoors. It sits in my kitchen in front of the sliding glass door.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I would recommend getting a small supplemental grow light for it. You can get one on Amazon for like $25-30. It's worth it. Meyer lemons tend to "freak out" if you abruptly carry them indoors. When they go from true sun to window light, they can drop their leaves. It helps to carry them inside and back outside over a period of a couple weeks to acclimate them.

[@percisionshot4331]

Completed my hoop house about 2 weeks ago and planted my winter crops.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Excellent!

[@SteveIczkowski]

I live about 80 miles south of you in the Pawleys Island area. when do you start your tomato seeds for Spring planting?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I used to start them in late January, but they would get so large by March that it would be annoying to manage them, and the last 3 or 4 Aprils have been abnormally cold with late frost risks. Now, I start them around February 7. It's easier to manage them in March doing and in-and-out shuffle to harden them off. But, I will say this - if you grow very hot peppers, like HOT ONES, habaneros, scorpions, reapers, etc. - start them in mid-January. I started my Trinidad Scorpion at the same time as my tomatoes, and it took so long to grow that I didn't get any until October. They need to have a massive head start.

[@kristywarshauer5258]

Thank you such good ideas ,,thank you thank you ...!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@andreacastelli6296]

Do you have any videos about how to care for your plants when it gets cold. We are here in Florida and having a little bit of a cold snap I don't think it's going to freeze however I'm not sure about watering or fertilizing during this time

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Yes. Tons. I placed a link in the video description to my Cold Protection playlist. This video is the method you should use.

[@debbybrady1246]

I make the hoop houses on my raised beds but I make them a little shorter. I use them year round for bugs, sunburn etc. South Texas here.

[@tomknack]

When do your Owari satsumas get ripe enough to eat? I bought a small Owari this summer and planted it in a 5-gallon pot. Now it's in my greenhouse and it has one fruit that turned orange but still feels pretty solid. I don't want to pick it too soon as it's the only one on the plant. Same question for a Cara Cara orange.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I've been picking them here and there for a couple weeks, but the majority won't ripen until mid-December. This cold may be slowing things down some, though. Cara Cara's are later than satsuma's. They're a January fruit. My blood oranges don't get ripe til February!

[@_Fadedpolo]

Great Video. Thank you. Needed This and just in time too as it started snowing in Illinois today. Now im also thinking if we ever get a freak winter I might as well wrap one of those water barrels in lights as well! Which also means ill probably have to wrap them in something so they dont melt but im thinking that'll just work as insulation as well. Ill let you guys know how it turns out next year I guess.

[@baneverything5580]

My fig trees in Louisiana were properly eased into dormancy this year by normal weather instead of a sudden shift to single digits and days below freezing with high winds like we`ve been getting for the past 5 years. I hope they can produce breba next year. I`d like to try one. I plan to try tarps and buckets of warm water with wireless thermometers. I have low wattage immersion water heaters and portable power stations and I also have a variety of 10 to 36 watt LED bulbs I use to grow food inside in winter. My volunteer fall Ground Cherries I dug up and brought inside are looking great!

[@nancycongiusti7526]

I have learned SO MUCH from you!! I take notes, like I did in school. Lol. I always come away feeling so encouraged and excited to get planting! THANX🎉

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad I can help! Keep on planting! 😁 Taking notes was no fun in school, but I enjoy it now when it is about things I’m interested in.

[@haleyaudiss]

Amazing video brother thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@dianthejoa]

Hi there! I have some small citrus trees. Do you think the c9 lights will be ok for very small trees? Do you think the lights will scorch the trees? I would like to send pics for your input.Thanks for all the wonderful info!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Usually, for trees under 24" that first year, I use 1-2 strands of mini-lights and a very small plant jacket. You can use 150-200 mini-lights (which will be 60-80W of warmth) provided you have a SMALL plant jacket. I also add a 5 gallon bucket of water in there, too, when they're tiny.

[@KokoraLife]

Great resource! Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryandrews2265]

Excellent video. Thank you!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@southernyankeeprepper]

You may have mentioned it but you said you plug your lights in a wireless plug... Where does the plug get thr power from? Or do you plug it on a regular outdoor or inside 110 outlet?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You need a 120V outlet. When I had my house built, I paid extra to have them install outlets all around my house. I knew this was coming. If you don't have an outlet nearby, you'll need a heavy gauge outdoor extension cord run to the nearest outlet.

[@southernyankeeprepper]

@TheMillennialGardener thanks for the response!

[@richwhippersnapper]

You need the older style incandescent Christmas lights but these have been largely phased out with LED lights that don't work as well. You might have a hard time finding them locally at Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowes. They are also a seasonal item, so you probably won't find them in stores after Christmas.

[@BrichaJulbry]

Does the color on the garden covering fabric matter for each temperature range (White, black, green, clear, etc.)?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I don't think so. But, it might affect light transmission. If you're only covering things for a day, light transmission doesn't matter, but if you're covering for a long time, the covers must allow light through. I've had my covers on for 4 days, and they'll be on for another 4 days, so that is why I use these very specific agricultural fabric items. They allow in light, so they can stay on indefinitely. I placed all the items I recommend in the video description with links and small descriptions next to each item.

[@rustyshackleford6476]

Is there a black agricultural fabric that we could use rather than the white? Reason I ask is that my house faces south and would like to have it blend in a little better rather than the white cover. Would it get too hot?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

No. You want white material that maximizes light transmission. It is critical that sunlight gets through. These covers are made to be left on your trees for longer periods of time so you don't have to remove them every day and put them back on at night.

[@rustyshackleford6476]

@ great. Thank you

[@salvatoreolivia7189]

My house does not have a south facing wall. But I do have a south facing fence in my back yard will that do? It gets sun all day long.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The fence won’t absorb heat, so it will not help. You need a house wall, because your home has huge thermal mass and is heated internally. If your south wall is unavailable, choose whatever wall gets the most sun. I plant along all 4 walls of my house. Any wall is better than none.

[@nicholasmaoris849]

I live in NY WE GET BELIW 0- -20’sfor weeks I bring my trees in the shed fr the winter but it’s getting harder each week im 65 with old fractures in my back and neck I have a fig tree that was a very very good friend that passed I can’t lose it the barrels I have blue ones I’m going to paint black if you think that will work and Im wondering will it make a difference if I put two or even four around the trees I’m trying to save. All so will any of these work with snow we get some time up to 2 feet that’s my tree problem the garden what do I do about when we get a lot of snow it will crush the cloth your showing of course if there is nothing I can do I’ll just take the crop that’s there and call it quits for the season but I’m wondering just thought if this what if I put a removable wooden roof on it and once the forecast calls for no snow and take the roof off just wondering so sorry for such a long question

[@karenzorn773]

Great video, really good information, thks for sharing.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@diblust53]

The incandescent Christmas lights are a BRILLIANT idea, THANK YOU! I have to heat my orchid cacti in a greenhouse, with a polyfilm tent over them so I don’t have to heat the whole greenhouse. This year I have a string of lights draped thru them, set on a timer. The heater thermostat is set to go on if it gets too cold.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome. I've been using them for 7 years with great results. I try to spread the word every time this time of year.

[@coldstunner]

what temperature do you turn the christmas lights on for your owari satsuma and meyer lemon?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It depends on the low. If I see it is going to be at risk of freezing, I turn them on. I don’t want them to freeze, because even if the trees themselves can take a freeze, the fruits can be damaged. You can’t let your fruits freeze on the tree, either.

[@cindy99toker]

I've had Christmas lights on my owari satsuma since early October. I put the frost blanket on the other day. Seattle area.

[@johnsonrobbins]

This method has been so effective for me already this year. I’m actually concerned it’s too effective. Here in Texas due to the protective warmth my Lila avocado is already starting to bud out in growth. I think it thinks it’s spring time already. I’m thinking it might be problematic if I start getting flowers in January

[@soumyar4053]

can we use frost proof cover in unheated garage to protect potted topical plants?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You can move freeze sensitive plants to a garage, but if it drops below freezing, they will die. Subtropical plants usually do well as long as they're kept above freezing, but tropical plants usually need to be WELL ABOVE freezing. Coffee, cocoa, plumerias, etc. do very poorly when it drops below 50F/10C. My coffee plants get brown leaves as soon as this time of year comes, because I cannot keep them above 50F/10C every day. They survive, but it takes them all of April and May to recover. If you cannot maintain these conditions, you will need to add heat.

[@kcsunshine6416]

Here in 7 a/b it has been so dry the first few inches of soil are powdery. I had to wait for the temp to go to 39 (the high) and water them. Even keeping them protected, make sure they get the water they need, water at the base, not the leaves.

[@xdraconicgaming5204]

I built a mini greenhouse (4x3x3) to test out your incandescent lights trick with my kale. We have two feet of snow and winter has started but my kale is exploding. Never seen kale growth like this in full freeze.

[@mrsmango76]

I’m in 7a Okc. Tropical plants moving it under a porch with cover on top. Do I need to add light and cover it?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Depends on how cold your porch gets. If it gets freezing, yes. Some tropicals don’t even like it COOL. My coffee and plumeria hates life when it is colder than 50 and defoliate. Subtropicals like citrus, avocados, etc can take cooler temps.

[@cajunvegan7716]

Good job ❤

[@pawelchmielniak3275]

Thanks!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're very welcome!

[@DonnaFoxe]

How do you attach the pvc pipe in the ground on the citrus tree that is against your house? Do you just bury it, or is there another piece that attaches to the upper part since there isn't a wooden bed there?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Buy a piece of 4ft 3/8inch rebar, pound it into the ground 2 feet, thread the 1/2 inch PVC right over it. It fits like a glove. I have a tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWbTlJJ9js-sgassi=nd65mMVxQOIv4y3A

[@DonnaFoxe]

@TheMillennialGardener Makes sense! Thank you for answering my question.

[@PastorDanplaysboardgames]

Thanks great video and links

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@josephsermarini5330]

Darn, I needed this a few days ago. I probably wouldn't have saved anything else but I would have know my green beans and tomatoes were doomed. :) Not long ago your video talked about growing carrots and parsnips year round. How does freezing and frost impact germination of carrots and parsnips? I just planted some.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re probably 2-3 days ahead of me on cold fronts. It’s just time to say bye to the annuals. It’s no biggie, we had a good run. Losing the trees is what scares me. That is years of work! Cold temps will dramatically slow down germination. I would expect them to take their good old time if they haven’t germinated yet. Things warm up some next week.

[@josephsermarini5330]

​@@TheMillennialGardener It will be a couple of years before I am ready for the challenge of citrus and I may never try bananas (I had them growing in my yard when I lived in Singapore, but gardeners took care of them and ate the fruit). I have watched most or all of your old videos. But I still have a lot to learn about the even easiest fruits and veggies. When I first moved to Morehead City, 21 years ago, people would talk about a winter storm a few years before. They had a week without power and even longer with snow on the ground. I hope it is possible to keep your trees alive through a storm like that. It could happen again here.

[@john__johnson]

Hey man. How are the owami satsumas? I was looking at them yesterday and may get one in the future.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Excellent. Literally, the best sweet citrus I've ever had. Absolute top quality. The only thing that's ever rivaled it is a perfect Cara Cara.

[@john__johnson]

@TheMillennialGardener Awesome! I'll add it to my tree list. Thanks for the reply and the videos.

[@sumdude4281]

Really well done video

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!