Status: 12.10.2023, 14:30 PM
By: Ines Alms
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After an October that has been too warm so far, there is now a threat of a drop in temperature with frost. It's high time to protect the plants from the cold.
October 2023 has been far too warm so far. According to wetter.de, in many regions of Germany in recent weeks there have been almost high summer temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. But the weather is set to change drastically. The polar air is already in sight and is expected to bring several temperature drops in the next few days. Autumn rain will not be a problem for humans and nature, but such sudden winter temperatures may also catch some garden owners and sensitive plants cold. Especially in the south it could be bitterly cold. Therefore, you should quickly think of sufficient protection for beds and potted plants.
Cold tolerance varies depending on the type of plant
In autumn, amateur gardeners should always be prepared for a sudden drop in temperature. © CHROME ORANGE/imago
Below ten degrees Celsius, it becomes uncomfortable for cold-sensitive plants. If frost occurs, which is especially possible at night, non-hardy plants will at best suffer frost damage such as rotten or dried leaves and shoots, and at worst they will die quickly. Sometimes this is not obvious at first glance, as the root system can also be affected.
According to the Rhineland-Palatinate Garden Academy, rapid freezing and re-thawing in the sun can be particularly dangerous here, because this leads to tension in the tissue of the plants, so that the cell walls rupture. This applies in particular to evergreen deciduous trees such as cherry laurel and boxwood as well as roses.
You can find even more exciting gardening topics in the regular newsletter of our partner 24garten.de.
Take protective measures as soon as possible
Here's how to protect your garden from a drop in temperature:
- Irrigation: Whether on the balcony or in the garden, water your plants well before a drop in temperature sets in. This is because many plants do not freeze to death, but die of thirst because they cannot absorb enough water in the frozen ground. This is especially true for potted plants.
- Covering in the field: Plants in the bed are better protected from the cold. Nevertheless, mulching helps here: this keeps the soil temperature more stable and stores moisture better in the soil. Roses can be piled up. In case of very severe frost, cover beds with anti-freeze fleece or jute.
- Enveloping potted plants: Small potted plants should be brought into the bright, but not too warm winter quarters indoors. Large plants are wrapped in newspapers, fleece or straw in the pot area and preferably additionally protected with a layer of bubble wrap – otherwise even hardy plants can freeze to death.
- Hanging balcony boxes: Lift balcony boxes from the balustrade so that they do not feel the cold so strongly from below in the root area. Assemble boxes and tubs on the floor, preferably on a protected house wall.
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If the plants let their shoots and leaves droop after a surprise frost, you should move them to a frost-free, cool place as soon as possible and water them carefully. After a few days, it will become clear whether the plant has really frozen to death or has just had too little water, i.e. is suffering from frost dryness.