YARMOUTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's going to get cold tonight. So cold that most Mainers will need to protect at least some of their plants. But which ones need or help, and which will manage the cold just fine on their own?
We asked Tom Estabrook, of Estabrook's in Yarmouth for some advice. He says bulbs should be fine. Daffodils, tulips, crocus, etc. don't need to be covered.
Established perennials will be fine as well. If you have just planted one, especially if it is flowering, you should cover those. A towel or blanket is fine. If you use a tarp, make sure you stake it so it does not touch the plant, as plastic on leaves can increase the amount of damage.
Most bushes will be fine on their own. Again, you you planted a rose bush this year, and it is flowering, you will need to cover it. Established bushes are fine.
Delicate leaves and flowers on fruit trees will need some help. Depending on the size of the tree, it may be hard to cover. In that case Estabrook suggests you get up before the sun rises, and spray those plants with water. It is actually the sun hitting frost that damages plants. The water will remove the frost before the sun hits it.
If you have already planted pansies, they are hardy enough to withstand frost, but if you have a hanging basket, or more delicate potted plant, be sure to bring those inside for the next 3 nights.
NEWS CENTER