Extension: Wait Until After Daybreak To Remove Plant Covers

Colder nights mean different plant care.

UT Extension Putnam County Agent Wayne Key said folks can extend the life of their annuals and decorative trees by covering them up at night.

Key said folks can use a bed sheet or a piece of plastic. If you’ve covered your plants, there is a good time to remove the sheeting.

“The lowest temperature and the highest risk for frost is just before sunup, that is the coldest time of the evening, so yeah, you do want to wait until it’s sunup,” Key said.

Key said covering the plants with sheeting will keep the cold breeze from frosting the tips of leaves and blooms.