Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

January is off to a bit of a frigid start to 2025. With an anticipated polar vortex scheduled to arrive early in the month, and potentially for several rounds it is important to be prepared. The landscape and winter vegetables may need supplemental protection from the worst of the arctic blast, with some plants being especially vulnerable to damage.

In particular, plants which are actively growing are the most likely to take damage. Tender greens, garlic, and other winter crops should be covered for the nights we drop well below freezing. Tarps, plastic containers, and sheet plastic are all viable options to help lock in enough heat to avoid damage. Should snow arrive, this will provide an insulating effect of its own.
Borderline tropical plants that have become hardy in the past ten years are also at risk. Canna lilies, Dahlia, and hardy bananas are all going to benefit from extra mulching or some form of covering. For hardy bananas, an upside-down garbage can is suitable for larger plants.
Dormant perennials and other landscape plants should avoid damage so long as the
temperature does not drop extremely fast and remains steady for the cold period. Evergreens may take some minor damage and require pruning in spring.
So long as one is proactive, most damage should be avoided and plants should be relatively safe despite the colder than average forecast. Most importantly, plants are replaceable and people are not. Stay safe and stay warm!

Andrew Pfeifer is the horticulture agent for the Stanly County office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.