TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Over the next few days, temperatures in our area are expected to dip below freezing. During that time, it's important to protect pipes, plants, people and pets.
Local nurseries likeRillito Nurseryand Ponderosa Cactus are already prepared with their plant coverings with everything from a foam cup to a piece of frost cloth. Frost cloth helps bring down the temperature by just a few degrees for the plants.
Beth Hargrove, the owner of Rillito Nursery said the plastic tarps are actually more harmful to the plants.
"So frost cloth or sheets are best," she said. "If you use sheets, make sure to tent them over the plants so that way it’s not resting on them.”
Esmerelda Carrasco, the COO and daughter of Ponderosa Cactus's owners, said aside from covering the plants, there are other steps to take in order to protect the plants.
"A good rule of thumb with greenery items is give it a good soak of water because it helps it more than you would think." she said. "With dry plants, they tend to freeze a little bit faster.”
If your plant does end up getting frost bite, Carrasco said to make sure that you don't prune it until the middle of March, giving the plant time to heal.
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