Hard Freeze: How to Care for Plants in the Winter

VOLUME 7R

By Anna Quinn

Dealing with freezing temperatures isn't out of the question for those living in Texas and Florida. In fact, both states have seen unusually cold, and sometimes record-breaking, winters in recent years. The cold weather can wreak havoc on outdoor plants or landscaping and might change the best way to care for plants indoors too.

Here’s how tenants can protect their homes and greenery when freezing weather strikes.

Protect Outdoor Plants

Assuming lawn care is a responsibility in the lease, there are many ways tenants can help protect home gardens or regular landscaping during cold temperatures and harsh winter weather. If tenants plant their own vegetable gardens or decorative plants, they can monitor frost season dates in the Farmer’s Almanac for each state.

Certain types of plants will do better in colder seasons than others. Tropical houseplants, tender summer annuals and summer herbs, and/or vegetables are among plant types that should be brought inside or avoided during colder seasons.

For winter storms or shorter frosts, insulating outdoor plants with mulch, shredded leaves or even newspapers can prevent freezing, according to retailer Home Depot. Tenants can also wrap their plants with a plant cover, garden blanket or burlap. Bring hanging or potted plants under the cover of a porch or shed until the weather passes too.

Cold weather will also change when outdoor plants should be watered. Tenants should water plants thoroughly several days ahead of expected cold weather, but resist watering during the freezing temps. If winter storms bring snowfall, the weight of snow can also impact plants. Remove it with snow blowers or shovels.

Indoor Plants Need Extra Care

Even houseplants that stay in the warmth of the indoors during cold months might need some adjustments in care during the winter season. Just as with outdoor plants, tenants might want to explore what houseplants are best for the winter season. Generally, low maintenance and low-light plants—including succulents, rubber plants or aloe vera—are the best options. Tenants can search for houseplants using these specific categories at retail stores.

No matter the type, houseplants will need less water during the winter given that shorter days slow down their growth, according to Homes and Gardens. This also means feeding houseplants isn’t necessary.

Moving houseplants to a new location depending on the season can be a good idea. Tenants should make sure plants get maximum sunlight given the shorter days but are far enough away from drafty windows to not get cold. They should also be kept away from heaters, which can create inconsistent temperatures or dry out the air.

Other care tips include dusting plants regularly so their pores don’t clog up with debris and checking them for pests, which are more common during the dry air of winter. Whether indoors or outdoors, keeping an eye on changes in temperature and seasonal changes helps considerably for tenants with a green thumb.

Setting Up a Community Garden Without Violating the Rules

Community gardens offer benefits to renters. But tenants should know how to establish a shared garden without violating condominium owners association (COA) rules, lease agreements or relationships with neighbors.

Small Claims, Big Problems: How to Resolve Security Deposit Disputes

After the move is complete and keys are turned in, tenants wait anxiously for their landlord to return their security deposit. But what happens when a landlord withholds a security deposit? And what legal rights does a tenant have to get that money back?

In the Event of an Emergency

Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Harvey were important reminders about the need to stay prepared for any type of emergency. Here’s how renters can try to keep themselves and their homes safe.

Note from the Editor: Vol. 7R

I was oddly grateful to have programmed those cameras before this incident occurred. This verbal altercation was what led to the cover story idea, “Know Legal Ramifications of Recording Tenant-Landlord Disputes.” Although I wouldn’t let this dispute ruin the family gathering, I did contact legal counsel in the new year.

Clean Pool, Happy Tenant

While a pool (or hot tub) can be an attractive rental amenity, it can also be an added burden due to maintenance and upkeep. The signed lease agreement should dictate a specific maintenance routine, but the tenant will frequently be responsible for caring for the pool or hot tub on the property.

Setting Up a Community Garden Without Violating the Rules

Small Claims, Big Problems: How to Resolve Security Deposit Disputes

In the Event of an Emergency

Note from the Editor: Vol. 7R

Clean Pool, Happy Tenant

Go4Rent Magazine: Renter Edition

Categories

Social Footprints