Prepare for a Hard Freeze in Central Texas: A Gardener’s Guide

As a horticulturist in Central Texas, I know one thing for sure—our weather keeps us on our toes. Sudden temperature swings are common, and winter forecasts can change quickly. When a hard freeze is predicted, the best approach is simple: prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Current forecasts show lows between 15°F and 25°F, with below-freezing temperatures lasting up to 60 hours or more in some areas. Low-lying valleys often drop colder than higher elevations. Because we’ve had above-normal temperatures leading into this event, many plants have not had a chance to harden off and may still have tender new growth. That makes preparation even more important.

Below are practical, Central Texas–specific tips to help protect your garden during a hard freeze.

How to Protect Vegetable Gardens from a Hard Freeze

  1. Harvest what you can.
    Pick all vegetables that are ready and usable before the freeze arrives.

  2. Water the soil early.
    Water your garden at least one day before the freeze. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.

  3. Mulch generously.
    Cover plants and soil with 2–3 inches of mulch. Use compost, straw, leaves, hardwood mulch, shredded newspaper, or cardboard topped with mulch.

  4. Cover plants correctly.

    • Use frost cloth, sheets, blankets, or comforters.

    • Build a simple frame if needed so covers don’t crush delicate plants.

    • Never place plastic directly on plants.

    • Plastic may be used only on top of fabric, and it must be removed once temperatures reach 32°F.

  5. Anchor covers to the ground.
    The soil releases heat at night. Secure covers with bricks or rocks to trap that warmth.

⚠️ Important Reminder:
Never leave plastic on plants when temperatures rise above freezing. Heat buildup can cause severe damage.

Protecting Ornamental Plants During Freezing Weather

Many ornamental plants that usually survive winter in Central Texas may struggle with extended hard freezes.

What to Do:

  • Water the soil 1–2 days before the freeze.

  • Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to protect roots.

  • Cover plants with multiple layers of frost cloth, anchoring the fabric to the ground.

Even if plants die back above ground, well-protected roots may resprout in spring.

⚠️ Do NOT water cactus or succulents before a freeze.

Ornamentals That May Need Protection

  • Indian Hawthorne

  • Sago Palm

  • Agave

  • Confederate Jasmine

  • Butterfly Vine

  • Bottlebrush

  • Loquat

  • Camellia

  • Texas Sage

  • Desert Museum Palo Verde

  • Fig Trees

  • Japanese Yew

  • Loropetalum

  • Oleander

  • Olive Trees

  • Pineapple Guava

  • Viburnum

  • Thryallis

  • Pride of Barbados

  • Esperanza

  • Mexican Firebush

How to Protect Palm Trees from Freezing Temperatures

Even cold-hardy palms can suffer damage during prolonged freezes. The key is protecting the growing point, located at the base of the spear leaf.

Palm Freeze Protection Tips:

  • Bundle fronds gently around the spear leaf if you can reach them.

  • Wrap the bundle with frost cloth or burlap.

  • Old-style Christmas lights (that produce heat) can add warmth—use sparingly.

  • Never wrap palms in plastic.

If temperatures drop into the teens:

  • Wrap the trunk with frost cloth or burlap.

  • Mulch 2–3 inches around the base (remove mulch from touching the trunk after the freeze).

💧 Water the roots a day before the freeze, and remove all coverings as soon as freezing danger passes to prevent rot.

Protecting Tropical Plants, Citrus, and Potted Plants

Plants in containers are especially vulnerable because their roots freeze faster. Find additional information on winterizing tropicals HERE.

Best Option:

  • Move pots inside your home if possible.

  • If your garage freezes, don’t rely on it.

If You Can’t Bring Them Inside:

  1. Move pots to the southeast or southwest side of your house, away from north winds.

  2. Water the soil thoroughly.

  3. Lay pots on their sides, close together, to trap ground heat.

  4. Cover with multiple layers of fabric (no plastic). Plastic can go on top of the fabric if necessary.

  5. Anchor coverings securely.

Once the freeze passes, uncover plants and assess damage. You may need to prune later, but saving the roots is the priority.

Caring for Perennials During a Hard Freeze

Herbaceous Perennials

These plants naturally die back in winter.

  • Water before the freeze.

  • Mulch heavily for root protection.

  • Tender plants like Esperanza and Pride of Barbados survive best when well-established.

Evergreen Perennials

Plants like Salvia greggii and Jerusalem Sage vary in cold tolerance.

  • Water and mulch well.

  • Use frost cloth if plants are young or recently planted.

  • Wait until spring to judge damage.

A Final Winter Gardening Tip for Central Texas

Do not cut back woody perennials or ornamental grasses in fall or early winter.
Plants like lantana benefit from leaving old growth in place—it insulates the crown and roots during freezes. Prune in late February, after the risk of hard freezes has passed.

Hard freezes are stressful, but preparation makes all the difference. By watering early, mulching well, and covering plants properly, you give your garden the best possible chance to survive—even in extreme Central Texas weather. 🌱