“When it gets down to zero, minus one, the moisture in the air freezes and turns to frost, settles on the plants, and causes cell damage. The cell wall is made up of water. The water will freeze, expand, and rupture the cell,” Hayles explains.
“So put a cover on just after dusk, take it off when the sun comes up, and your plants are going to do just fine.”
3. Don’t winterize your watering system just yet (your garden’s of 2026 will thank you)
Hayles says that in his garden, the first frost forecast also signals that it’s time to start preparing for the gardening season ahead. Your trees and perennials can benefit significantly from fall watering.
“The number one thing we can do right now is water. Water! Water! Water! Before I go to bed at night I like a glass of water, and our plants are no different,” he says.
Watering your plants can help prevent ‘winterburn’, according to Hayles. (Image: Stock photo)
“It can help prevent ‘winterburn’. That very dry wind we get in Calgary – watering can help prevent dieback from that. And in the spring the roots will be full of water, so the moment there’s thaw, they’re ready to go.”
Comments are closed.