During a chance of freeze, it’s important to protect your cold sensitive plants. Bring in potted plants if possible since pots expose plants to the cold far more than if they were in the soil. If the pots are too large, wrap the pot and the plant with a freeze blanket or sheet. For landscape plants that are rated for zones 9b and south, cover the entire plant with freeze cloth or sheets and secure to the ground with blocks, bricks and the like. It is important that the fabric is anchored to the ground so that radiant heat from the soil is trapped inside keeping the plant warm. Avoid using sprinklers, turn off your automatic irrigation system, and NEVER put portable heaters under the sheets with the plants. Not only is this a fire hazard it can also be damaging to the plant you want to protect. For more freeze protection tips and information, contact your UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service at 352-671-8400 or visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg025. Stay warm!
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