Well now that we are 9 days into 2011, I hope everyone is starting off right and sticking to their New Year’s resolutions. If you didn’t making any resolutions, like me, then I hope life continues to go in a positive direction for you and those around you one week at a time.

Speaking of one week at a time, this week will be a shocker. It looks like we will see low 20s and 30s all the way into Thursday, so be prepared. January is always cold so this could only be the beginning of the 20-degree days. So here are some thoughts for preparing for the freeze ahead.

Q. I have too many container plants to bring inside what should I do?

A. Container plants should receive special consideration; their roots are more exposed because they are above ground. Roots that are damaged by cold temperatures may not show immediate signs of damage, but these plants will show signs of stress when temperatures increase. Push together container plants that are left outside and mulch or cover them to decrease heat loss from the sides of the containers. Wrap the base of the containers in plastic, burlap, or another insulating source to reduce heat loss, this is basically serving as an artificial mulch.

Q. What is the best way to protect plants from a freeze?

A. Here are some things to consider whenever planting: plant and site selection, prior plant nutrition, wind breaks, covering and heating, and pre-freeze preparations to name a few. The best way to prevent cold injury to plants is to choose plants that tolerate the cold temperatures. Natchez is in the USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8a, which means plants need to be capable of withstanding temperatures from 10 to 15 degrees.

Probably one of the most useful practices is mulching. Mulching protects the roots of the plants and helps reduce heat loss, it minimizing temperature fluctuations, thus allows them to survive the cold and come back in the spring.

However, keeping plants healthy year round may be your best advantage; healthy plants are more resistant to cold injury than plants that are weakened by disease, by insect damage, or by improper care.

Q. Should I water plants before a freeze?

A. Plants are not like people, they need water on them even in the most extreme temperatures. One of the main causes of winter damage to trees and shrubs is through drying out. When the ground freezes, plant roots are unable to take up water from the soil, so they quickly begin to use up all the water stored in their leaves and stems. Many times cold weather is accompanied by strong, dry winds. These winds compound the damage by drying plants out even more.

If the ground is dry and severe cold weather is forecasted, you should water thoroughly before the ground freezes. A well-watered soil will also absorb more solar radiation than dry soil and will re-radiate the heat during the night.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.