Oklahoma gardeners are taking steps to prepare for winter after the first frost and freeze hit parts of the state last weekend.
Oklahoma’s first frost and freeze last weekend signaled the arrival of colder weather, and gardeners should prepare their plants for the winter season.
Darrell Pothorst, the nursery manager with TLC Garden Center, said now is the time to bring tropical plants indoors.
Parts of northern Oklahoma experienced freezing temperatures last Saturday and Sunday, with frost reported across the Oklahoma City metro. While some fall plants are still thriving, such as pansies, violas and panolas, gardeners are encouraged to take action to protect their plants.
Cabbage, kale, and other foliage plants can enhance flower beds this fall if they are already established. For gardens that are mostly closed for the season, Pothorst recommended fertilizing permanent plant material.
“Fall is a great time to fertilize. So, on your permanent plant material outside, fertilizing is very important, especially in the fall and again in the spring,” he said.
Pothorst also stressed the importance of continued watering during the winter months, as it can benefit plants in the spring. Mulching is another essential step to protect plants from the cold.
“It really does do a great job of insulating the roots, insulating the soil a little bit, and also retaining moisture through the winter season. Mulch and watering are two things people forget about,” Pothorst said.
Pruning can be delayed until later in the winter when plants are dormant, and leaving dead leaves on the ground can provide additional insulation.
“Fall is a great time to plant your perennials, trees and shrubs because they will root in all winter long,” he said.
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