Freezing cold not just for us but southern states as well. Stay warm.

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Good morning…clear blue sky after our winter blizzard last night.  The wind did blow, the wind caused drifting, and white outs.  But now that it is behind us, the extreme cold is moving in.  Stay warm, stay safe.  This must be so hard on livestock and the farmers taking care of them.  Take care farmers. 
 
Australia family and friends are the opposite of us with having summer. For their Friday Jan 23, it will be 73F(23C) but humidity is at 90% with a dew point at 47F(8C).  They will feel this humidity.  As our temperatures are going down, they will go up to that 90 degrees.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
This is from a Southern Living Magazine, and they are facing some severe cold weather.  This is what the gardeners are being told to take care of their gardens.  Remember this isn’t for us, but for southern United States.  I am sharing it to let you know what they are facing now with their gardens and this very cold weather. 

We too are having extreme weather and temperatures with wind chills.  Saturday morning wind chill at -45F.  15 minutes skin exposed will have damage.  15 minutes.   I need to find a face mask or a scarf to cover my face.  What can we say but just stay safe.  This is Friday night and Saturday.  I hate to say it looks like next week we are having below zero temperatures too. 
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Heads Up, Gardeners: Freeze Incoming! 🚨  for our southern states. 
A winter storm is making its way across the South this week, and while Southerners are no strangers to weather swings, this one could pack a punch. Sudden freezes, icy winds, and the potential for snow mean it’s time to give your garden a little extra attention.
Which Plants Need Extra Protection?
Some plants are more sensitive to rapid freezes, especially:
• Tropical or tender evergreens (like gardenias or camellias)
• Container-grown shrubs and perennials
• Newly planted trees and foundation plants
• Flowering cool-season annuals (like primroses, cyclamen, or snapdragons)
• Upright, leafy evergreens like boxwood, holly, and azaleas
Containers are especially vulnerable since cold air can reach roots from all sides. If your plant is in a pot, give it priority!
 DON'T:
❌ Knock ice off branches. It may cause them to snap.
❌ Remove coverings before the ice/snow melts. Even with ice on top, they help trap warmth underneath.
❌ Disturb snow accumulation on plants. A light layer can act as natural insulation.
DO:
✅ Let ice melt naturally.
✅ Once the ice/snow melts, remove covers during the day to give plants sun and airflow.
✅ Prune only broken or obviously damaged limbs.
✅ Water again once the soil thaws to help with recovery.
Severe winter weather can impact more than just your garden. For tips on how to prepare your home, family, and community for winter storms, including power outages and emergency supplies, check out the Red Cross winter storm prep guide below:
Stay safe, stay warm, & give your garden the best chance to weather the storm!
Taken from https://southernlivingplants.com/
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse