When winter temperatures dip below freezing, even North Florida’s most resilient plants can feel the sting. The recent cold front and frost across the Jacksonville area left many gardeners wondering what to do next.
Don’t worry, your plants are tougher than they look! With the right care and a little patience, your garden can bounce back lush and green in no time.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to protecting and reviving your plants after the cold.
Step 1: Don’t Rush to Prune
It’s easy to see brown, droopy leaves and want to cut everything back, but resist the urge. Those damaged leaves actually help shield the rest of the plant from additional cold. Wait until warmer days arrive and you see new green growth before pruning away dead or mushy stems.
Step 2: Water Wisely
Frost damage and dry winter winds pull moisture from plants. Once the soil has thawed and daytime temperatures climb above freezing, water deeply. This rehydrates roots and helps with internal recovery. But be careful. Overwatering can suffocate roots that are already stressed.
Step 3: Check for Life Before Replacing Plants
Many tropicals and perennials look gone after a frost but may still have viable growth beneath the soil. To check, gently scratch the stem with your fingernail, if it’s green underneath, the plant is still alive! Give it time to regenerate before replanting.
Step 4: Protect Against Future Frosts
Florida winters can surprise us with more cold nights through February. Keep frost cloths, burlap, or old sheets ready to cover sensitive plants overnight. Remove them in the morning to allow sunlight and airflow.
Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of plants to help insulate roots and retain soil moisture.
Step 5: Feed Gently
Once the weather is stable and you see new growth, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need to recover and rebuild strength.
Need Professional Help? GardenistaJax Is Here for You
If your garden took a hit during the recent frost, GardenistaJax offers personalized frost consultations and cleanup maintenance services.
Our expert team can help assess damage, prune safely, and create a recovery plan that nurtures your landscape back to health, while preparing it for the next cold snap.
Book your service or consultation today and let us help you restore your outdoor oasis!
👉 Book a Landscaping Consultation
👉 Request a Frost Recovery Cleanup
👉 Contact GardenistaJax or call 904-834-0344 to schedule your frost recovery visit.
Gardenista's Pro Tip: Choose Florida-Friendly Plants
For future plantings, consider mixing in more cold-tolerant and native species like coontie, muhly grass, yaupon holly, and camellias. They’re well-adapted to North Florida’s occasional freezes and require less seasonal maintenance.
GardenistaJax's Final Thoughts
Frost damage may look discouraging, but remember: Jacksonville’s gardens are resilient. With mindful pruning, watering, and protection, most plants can make a full recovery. Each frost is a reminder that gardening is about balance between care, patience, and nature’s rhythm.
Stay warm, stay hopeful, and let your garden grow greener than ever! 🌿
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