Chilly weather is here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We sat down with Mustard Seed Founders, Robb & Danielle Stewart, to learn best practices and tips for preparing plants and landscape for frost in the High Country. Here's what you need to know.
Any houseplant brought outside for the summer needs to come inside. Any temperature below 50 degrees for houseplants is not ideal. Spray them off with organic bug spray or our systemic granules and brisk hosing for spiders, bugs, etc.
Frost only affects tender plants that are exposed or ‘touched’ by the frost. Hardy plants that are outside in a covered area will be fine as frost falls straight down. Cover tender plants outside not under a roofed structure with frost cloths, bedsheets, or tablecloths- do not use plastic.
Make sure all newly planted landscape is well watered before the cold. Hydrated plants fair much better in cooler weather.
If a tender plant is exposed to frost, be sure to spray it off with water to remove ice crystals before the sun hits the plant.Letting ice melt in the sun has the potential to cause tissue damage to the plant.
Any evergreen planted this summer should get watered throughout the dry fall to prepare their roots for when the ground freezes for winter. Hydrated roots help evergreens handle colder winter winds better than dry roots.
The Mustard Seed Market is located at 5589 US HWY 321-S in Blowing Rock, NC.
Hours are Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm.