How to protect plants in winter

DeAnthony Price Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent UF/IFAS Jefferson County After the freeze last year, winter plant protection is critical. Cold temperatures in North Florida can get very low, enough to damage tropical and subtropical plants. Temperate plants will be affected if not acclimated to lower temperatures. Plants become acclimated by gradual decreases in temperature over time. Quick freezes after a period of warm weather do more damage to plants than a freeze during cold weather. Most plant parts can adapt to cold, but fruits and roots do not develop good cold tolerance. Acclimatization, protection and proper post-freeze pruning are a few methods that help plants survive