Q: I’m worried about this early freeze. What can I do to protect my plants?

A You are probably looking at some frozen hydrangeas with drooping foliage, some perennials such as Becky daisies that are wilted and some mushy hostas. What to do? Damaged foliage on shrubs should dry and fall off soon. They may look ugly for several weeks. Mushy perennials can be cut back to remove wounded foliage, but do not cut or harm the green rosette at ground level that will provide next year’s growth. Gently pull or cut mushy foliage off daylilies and hostas. The root systems of our plants are probably undamaged and the plants are not in danger of dying. The freeze damage may reduce the vigor of plants for next season. The best plan would be to choose a warm sunny day and make sure that your plants are well watered. A well hydrated plant can survive winter better than a weak, dry plant. We often have long periods of windy warm weather and it can cause dehydration, bud drop and leaf burn. After you water on a warm day, be sure to leave or add a two-inch layer of clean mulch. This insulates roots and preserves moisture. If you are very worried about special plants, you can wrap them with a freeze cloth that allows light to pass through or with burlap for protection. Tuck your plants in for the winter, mulch, and they should burst forth happily in the spring.

E-mail Pat Lea at lea.pat@gmail.com