Preparations for Hard Freeze in Gainesville FL

Preparations for Hard Freeze in Gainesville FL. I’d like to share what I do to prepare my home and yard for the weatherman’s forecast of a hard freeze in Gainesville FL and Alachua County.

We consider a freeze warning that occurs when we have widespread temperatures at or below 32 °F for 3 hours or more during the growing season. A freeze may occur with or without frost. A hard freeze occurs with temperatures below 28 °F for 3 hours or more.

Here is what I do to prepare:

• Disconnect all hoses from the hose bibs on the home & in the yard.
• Make sure all hoses are open at each end.
• All hose bibs are slightly open allowing a small, constant drip.
• Thoroughly water all beds and potted plants, as the moisture will preserve the heat, and reduce the cold-stress.
• Bring all orchids, ferns, and ultra-sensitive tropical plants inside.
• Cover plants that need frost protection.
• Use cloth for covering materials, not plastic.
• Provide additional heat if needed via outdoor trouble lights or outdoor Christmas light strings. The light-bulbs provide extra protection.

I have so many potted plants on my front porch.  I sure don’t want to take them in and out with each freeze warning.  So, I’ve come up with a way to protect them.  This comes from trial and error over the years.   I use a breathable cloth, like paint drop cloths.  I use wooden survey stakes to make a support for the perimeter of the cloth covers.  I place trouble lights under the cloth tents for just a bit of extra heat.