Does water keep plants from freezing?

As winter approaches, gardeners often wonder how they can best protect their outdoor plants from the frosty temperatures. One common belief is that water can help keep plants from freezing, but is this really true?

The science behind water and freezing temperatures

Water does have a moderate ability to absorb and retain heat, which is why we often see bodies of water acting as a temperature regulator for the surrounding land. However, when it comes to freezing temperatures, water can actually harm plants more than help them.

When water freezes, it expands and can cause damage to plant cells. This is why it is important to make sure that the soil around the plant is not overly saturated with water before a freeze. Wet soil will not only freeze more easily, but it will also hold onto the cold temperatures longer, potentially increasing the amount of damage that can occur.

What can protect plants from freezing?

So if water is not the answer, what can gardeners do to protect their plants from freezing? Here are a few tips:

Cover plants with blankets or other types of fabric to create a barrier from the cold temperatures.

Move potted plants indoors or to a covered area like a porch or garage.

If possible, plant cold-tolerant varieties that are better equipped to handle freezing temperatures.

Other tips for winter plant care

Aside from protecting plants from freezing temperatures, there are other steps that gardeners can take to ensure that their outdoor plants make it through the winter:

Water your plants adequately throughout the fall to help them build up a strong root system.

Trim back any dead or damaged branches to prevent them from falling and causing further damage to the plant during a winter storm.

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate it from the cold temperatures.

Conclusion

While the idea of water helping to keep plants from freezing may seem like a logical assumption, the science tells us otherwise. Instead, gardeners should focus on other measures such as covering plants with fabric, moving potted plants indoors, and choosing cold-tolerant varieties. By taking these steps and properly caring for plants throughout the fall and winter, gardeners can help ensure that their outdoor plants make it through the colder months unscathed.