What to do post-freeze in Houston gardens

Winter weather can take a toll on your garden, but with a few thoughtful steps, you can help your plants bounce back. Whether you're dealing with vegetables, herbs, or landscape plants, here’s a guide to getting your garden on the road to recovery after a freeze.

1. What do we do first?
When temperatures rise above 40°F, it’s time to uncover your plants and assess the damage. Look for any that have turned slimy or mushy—these should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of fungal disease.

2. Should we prune?
Only remove branches that pose a safety risk. Leave the smaller crispy, dead branches alone. Pruning sends a signal to plants to promote new growth. We want to leave them for now to continue to insulate the plant in case we have another freeze. 

Additionally, these dead branches, seed heads, and leaf litter provide essential winter habitat for beneficial insects, native bees, and birds. The seed heads offer natural food sources for birds, while hollow stems and leaf debris create hiding places and shelter for overwintering pollinators and other helpful garden insects. This natural winter habitat will help ensure a healthy garden ecosystem when spring arrives.

3. What about watering?
It's very important to deeply water gardens, shrubs and trees at root/soil level; this will provide warmth to stressed roots. Do not water the leaves, as this could cause additional stress to the plants. Don't take any other action yet. Your gardens have been through a major trauma and need time to recover. If you start trimming and removing, you are leaving the plants more vulnerable to a sneak early Spring freeze.

4. Will herbs/veggies & plants survive?
Some plants are more resilient than others. Here’s a quick survival guide:
Likely to survive:
- Woody herbs: Rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme
- Winter vegetables: Kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
- Root vegetables: Carrots and radishes (tops may die, but roots are usually protected)
- Landscape plants: Azaleas, roses, native plants

Unlikely to survive:
- Tender herbs: dill, cilantro
- Citrus trees: Those left uncovered are unlikely to make it, while covered citrus trees may have a 50/50 chance

Take It Slow

Recovery after a freeze is all about patience. Let your plants rest, water deeply, and resist the urge to prune or replant too quickly. With time and care, your garden can regain its health and beauty, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the vibrant growth of spring.