Not every plant is adapted to harsh cold weather. Some of the plants are good cold tolerant and some are not. This will be an incomplete question if you ask when to cover plants to protect them in winter. The question should be asked in this way "when to cover a specific plant in winter". As the answer varies with the plant name.
Those who are growing their plants in pots or containers are requested to check: When should I bring my plants inside
Climate can make some plants perennials in warmer regions and annuals in cooler regions.
If the temperature goes below a certain point, you should protect your plants by covering them with either clothes or frost cloths. ( Adding mulch on the soil is also considerable)
I have added the covering guide along with that certain temperature point.
We will understand the covering time through simple charts.
The list of charts (type of plants) Click to expand
- Leafy greens
- Vegetables and roots
- Flowering plants
- Herbs
- Berries
- Shrubs
- Fruit trees
We usually cover our plants to protect them from cold damage. If you are from colder regions the tropical plants are going to be affected in winter most. Be serious and don't forget to check the weather forecast during the first two weeks of winter.
Leafy greens covering - chart
| Plant | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use a frost cloth or thick mulch layer. |
| Lettuce | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with lightweight fabric to avoid crushing. |
| Kale | Below 15°F (-9°C) | Apply straw mulch or row covers. |
| Swiss Chard | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use cloches or plastic sheeting. |
| Arugula | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with fleece or row tunnels. |
| Collard Greens | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use a frost blanket or heavy mulch. |
| Mustard Greens | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply row covers or floating fleece. |
| Endive | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with lightweight fabric. |
| Escarole | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Protect with fleece or mulch. |
| Bok Choy | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with cloches or row tunnels. |
| Tatsoi | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use frost cloth or mulch. |
| Mizuna | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with lightweight fabric or mulch. |
| Beet Greens | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Protect with straw or fleece. |
| Turnip Greens | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use mulch or lightweight covers. |
| Radicchio | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply row covers or straw mulch. |
| Watercress | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with fabric or straw. |
| Chicory | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use fleece or cloches. |
| Parsley | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw or lightweight covers. |
| Celery | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Protect with straw or row covers. |
| Romaine Lettuce | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use fleece or row tunnels. |
| Butterhead Lettuce | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with fabric or straw mulch. |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply row covers or fleece. |
| Cress | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use lightweight fabric or mulch. |
| Chard (Rainbow) | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with cloches or mulch. |
| Pea Shoots | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Protect with fabric or row covers. |
Vegetables and roots - When to cover in winter
| Vegetable/Root | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use straw mulch or burlap sacks. |
| Potatoes | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply thick mulch or row covers. |
| Onions | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with straw or frost cloth. |
| Garlic | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply 3–4 inches of mulch. |
| Beets | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use straw mulch or row tunnels. |
| Radishes | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with lightweight fabric or mulch. |
| Parsnips | Below 15°F (-9°C) | Apply thick straw mulch or fleece. |
| Turnips | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use straw or frost cloth. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Below 32°F (0°C) | Protect with heavy mulch or row covers. |
| Winter Squash | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use plastic sheeting or fleece. |
| Pumpkins | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply straw or lightweight fabric. |
| Celery Root (Celeriac) | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use mulch or frost cloth. |
| Rutabagas | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw or fabric covers. |
| Leeks | Below 15°F (-9°C) | Use straw mulch or row tunnels. |
| Brussels Sprouts | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Protect with mulch or row covers. |
| Cauliflower | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use row covers or cloches. |
| Broccoli | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply lightweight covers or fleece. |
| Artichokes | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with mulch or frost blankets. |
| Horseradish | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use thick mulch or burlap. |
| Asparagus | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Apply straw mulch or fleece. |
| Ginger | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use mulch or grow indoors. |
| Turmeric | Below 32°F (0°C) | Protect with mulch or pot indoors. |
| Yams | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use heavy mulch or row covers. |
| Jerusalem Artichokes | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with straw or soil mound. |
| Cassava | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Protect with mulch or fleece. |
| Tomatoes | Below 41°F (5°C) | Use frost cloths, plastic covers, or bring potted plants indoors. |
Flowering plants covering guide with temperature chart
| Flowering Plant | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Roses | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use burlap or frost cloth. |
| Plumeria | Below 40°F (4°C) | Bring pots indoors or use thick fabric covers. |
| Vinca (Periwinkle) | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Protect with lightweight frost cloth or mulch. |
| Hydrangeas | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply frost blankets or mulch around the base. |
| Camellias | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use burlap or row covers. |
| Dahlias | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Dig up tubers or use heavy mulch. |
| Impatiens | Below 32°F (0°C) | Cover with frost cloth or move indoors. |
| Pansies | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost blankets or mulch. |
| Begonias | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use lightweight frost cloth or grow indoors. |
| Geraniums | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Use row covers or fleece blankets. |
| Snapdragons | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Apply mulch or frost cloth. |
| Petunias | Below 32°F (0°C) | Apply frost blankets or bring pots indoors. |
| Zinnias | Below 32°F (0°C) | Cover with frost blankets. |
| Cosmos | Below 32°F (0°C) | Protect with lightweight fabric or mulch. |
| Chrysanthemums | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use straw mulch or frost blankets. |
| Lavender | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch around the base or cover with burlap. |
| Hibiscus | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use fleece or move pots indoors. |
| Fuchsias | Below 32°F (0°C) | Cover with fleece or bring indoors. |
| Sunflowers | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with row covers or fleece. |
| Sweet Alyssum | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Protect with lightweight fabric or fleece. |
| Peonies | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch around the base. |
| Foxgloves | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch or use frost blankets. |
| Calendula | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use frost cloth or lightweight fabric. |
| Delphiniums | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap. |
| Black-Eyed Susans | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw mulch or fleece covers. |
Herbs - When to cover
| Herb | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Below 50°F (10°C) | Use lightweight frost cloth or grow indoors. |
| Parsley | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch or cover with row covers. |
| Thyme | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use straw mulch around the base. |
| Mint | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Protect with a frost cloth or mulch. |
| Oregano | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch or use fleece covers. |
| Rosemary | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Cover with fleece or bring indoors. |
| Cilantro | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use lightweight frost cloth or grow indoors. |
| Dill | Below 32°F (0°C) | Protect with frost cloth or row covers. |
| Sage | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw mulch or burlap wraps. |
| Chives | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use straw mulch or lightweight fabric. |
| Tarragon | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Apply mulch around the base or cover with fleece. |
| Marjoram | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Use frost blankets or grow indoors. |
| Fennel | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth or apply mulch. |
| Lovage | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Apply mulch or lightweight covers. |
| Borage | Below 32°F (0°C) | Protect with lightweight frost cloth. |
| Chamomile | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use mulch or frost blankets. |
| Lavender | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw mulch or burlap wraps. |
| Lemongrass | Below 40°F (4°C) | Bring pots indoors or use thick covers. |
| Chervil | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Cover with lightweight fabric or mulch. |
| Stevia | Below 45°F (7°C) | Grow indoors or cover with heavy cloth. |
| Hyssop | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply straw mulch or use row covers. |
| Bay Laurel | Below 32°F (0°C) | Bring pots indoors or use frost cloth. |
| Lemon Balm | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Apply mulch or use fleece covers. |
| Curry Leaves | Below 40°F (4°C) | Bring pots indoors or use thick cloth covers. |
| Winter Savory | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use straw mulch or row covers. |
Berries winter covering chart
| Berry | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth or straw mulch. |
| Blueberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost blankets. |
| Raspberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use row covers or mulch heavily around roots. |
| Blackberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap. |
| Goji Berry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use frost cloth or cover with heavy mulch. |
| Mulberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover young plants with frost cloth or burlap. |
| Currants | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Apply mulch or cover with burlap. |
| Gooseberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or burlap to cover plants. |
| Elderberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with frost cloth or wrap with burlap. |
| Huckleberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use frost cloth or straw mulch. |
| Cranberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or mulch heavily. |
| Boysenberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost blankets or burlap. |
| Jabuticaba | Below 32°F (0°C) | Bring indoors or use frost cloth. |
| Loganberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap. |
| Black Currant | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use frost cloth or mulch heavily around roots. |
| Red Currant | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with row covers or frost cloth. |
| Aronia Berry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use mulch and frost cloth around plants. |
| Sea Buckthorn | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use mulch and frost cloth for young plants. |
| Bilberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with mulch or fleece fabric. |
| Serviceberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or mulch around roots. |
Few other shrubs
| Shrub | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Rhododendron | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use burlap or frost cloth to protect foliage. |
| Azalea | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap to protect blooms. |
| Boxwood | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use burlap wraps or frost cloth around the plant. |
| Holly | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Wrap in burlap or cover with frost cloth. |
| Forsythia | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth. |
| Spirea | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Wrap with burlap or frost cloth for protection. |
| Camellia | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or mulch around the base. |
| Lilac | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth to protect blooms. |
| Juniper | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Wrap with burlap or use frost cloth for protection. |
| Hydrangea | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or burlap to cover flowers and buds. |
| Wisteria | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap around branches. |
| Azara | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use frost cloth to protect the shrub. |
| Butterfly Bush | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap to protect the plant. |
| Barberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth to protect from cold winds. |
| Lavender | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or fleece to protect from frost. |
| Winterberry | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap. |
| Fuchsia | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or mulch to protect from frost. |
| Privet | Below 20°F (-6°C) | Use burlap or frost cloth to shield from cold temperatures. |
| Euonymus | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Wrap with burlap or frost cloth for protection. |
Note: Some plants' cold tolerance varies with which variety you are growing.
Fruit trees
| Fruit Tree | When to Cover | Covering Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use frost cloth or burlap to protect blooms and branches. |
| Pear | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap to shield buds and branches. |
| Peach | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Wrap with frost cloth or use blankets to protect fruiting buds. |
| Plum | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth to protect buds. |
| Cherry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or burlap around the tree to protect blooms. |
| Apricot | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Wrap with frost cloth or blankets to cover flower buds. |
| Citrus (Lemon, Orange, etc.) | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use frost cloth or plant covers, or bring pots indoors. |
| Pomegranate | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Use frost cloth or burlap to protect from frost damage. |
| Fig | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth, or use mulch around roots. |
| Grapes | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Use frost cloth to protect young vines from frost. |
| Kiwi | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth, or wrap vines with burlap. |
| Mulberry | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with frost cloth or burlap around branches. |
| Avocado | Below 32°F (0°C) | Wrap in frost cloth or use frost blankets for young trees. |
| Papaya | Below 30°F (-1°C) | Use frost cloth or mulch heavily around the base. |
| Olive | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Cover with burlap or frost cloth to protect from frost. |
| Peach Palm | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth to protect from cold weather. |
| Loquat | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Cover with frost cloth or blankets to shield fruiting buds. |
| Sweet Lemon (Variegated) | Below 32°F (0°C) | Use frost cloth or bring plants indoors during extreme cold. |
| Mango | Below 32°F (0°C) | Cover with frost cloth, blankets, or move pots indoors. |
| Arctic Satsuma | Below 28°F (-2°C) | Wrap with frost cloth or blankets, and apply mulch around the base. |
I will keep updating these charts by adding more new plants. Subscribe to this site and share with your friends. That's how you can motivate me to bring more gardening charts like this.
