Oklahoma residents who tend home gardens are facing a sudden weather shift this weekend. Forecasts show temperatures sliding from the high 90s down into the 30s and 40s, with some areas potentially dipping below freezing. Local nurseries are stepping up to help gardeners protect their plants from the shock of the rapid chill.
Nursery owner shares practical tips
Kelly Marcum, owner of Marcum’s Nursery, explained that the abrupt change could catch many plants off guard. “It might shock them a little bit going from the heat that we had in the 90s and then all of a sudden having a morning like this into the higher 30s‑40s,” Marcum said.
Despite the sudden cold snap, Marcum reassured that most plants can survive the brief dip. “It’s not enough to kill them or set them back, most plants anyway,” she noted. However, she warned that species accustomed to warm climates will need extra attention.
Which plants need the most care?
According to Marcum, tropical plants and what she calls “tender perennials” are the most vulnerable. “All your tropicals definitely need to go inside, and there are a lot of, they call tender perennials, that will go down into the 30s,” she advised.
For gardeners who want to keep a vibrant fall display, Marcum suggested planting hardy, cool‑weather varieties. “The kale and cabbages, mums are there big time, and they work really good for the fall, Halloween, and hold up till Thanksgiving,” she said.
Simple steps to safeguard your garden
Marcum recommends keeping a freeze blanket on hand as an extra barrier against frost. She explained that covering beds and pots with a breathable blanket can trap enough heat to prevent damage without suffocating the plants.
Other practical measures include:
- Moving potted tropicals and delicate perennials indoors or into a garage.
- Watering the soil lightly before the cold night to increase its heat‑retaining capacity.
- Wrapping the bases of shrubs with burlap or frost cloth.
- Avoiding pruning now, as cuts can expose plants to further stress.
These steps are especially important for homeowners who rely on their gardens for fresh produce or seasonal décor.
Looking ahead
Temperatures are expected to fluctuate throughout the fall, so gardeners should stay alert to future forecasts. Marcum emphasized that preparation now can help avoid larger losses later in the season.
“With temperatures expected to fluctuate throughout the fall, keeping a freeze blanket on hand is a smart move,” she said. By taking these precautions, Oklahoma gardeners can protect their investments and enjoy a thriving garden well into the holiday season.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
