GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
If you watch or follow the weather, your head is probably spinning. Temperatures are mild
and the wind is blowing. Your plants are thinking maybe spring is coming. Then you get a
forecast that a cold front from the north is to arrive and night temperatures will drop below
freezing. In Texas, this can happen in a matter of hours!
Most of you have had your irrigation turned off since fall, but when this crazy pattern of
weather kicks in, you need to run your irrigation before the cold, freezing temperatures
arrive. Moist ground stays warmer than dry ground and this will help insulate your plants
from the extreme cold. Make sure to water before a freezing event and not during the event.
Also, if you have not mulched your beds this winter, an application of 2 inches of mulch will
help insulate your plant roots and protect them from cold injury. Mulch also holds in the
moisture so it provides an added layer of protection.
Watch for these crazy weather swings here at the end of winter and protect your plant
material from cold injury.