February 15, 2026

Reprinted from blog by Mark Bailey, UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Agent

Photo Credit: Pam Schmitt

 North Central Florida will reliably experience a freezing event at some point during the winter months. As a consequence, some gardens can be more affected or even killed by freezing temperatures.

 Freeze injury is generally caused by the formation of tiny ice crystals inside plant tissue. These ice crystals can result in damaged cell membranes and cell walls – this aggregate damage is responsible for killing or injuring a plant. The extent of damage or risk of plant death is determined by several key variables. Firstly, the susceptibility of a plant to freeze damage is the most important factor. As one might assume, plants originating from the tropics are notably more susceptible to freeze damage than plants originating from temperate climates. The extent of freeze damage also includes how extreme the cold was, how long the freezing temperatures lasted, maturity and size of the plants, and the degree of protection, if any, that they received during these freeze events. Plants that experienced gradual colder temperatures, or cold acclimation, are less likely to experience as severe freeze damage as plants that experience a sudden shift from warm weather to deep freezing temperatures.

 Not all freeze events are the same nor how they affect cold sensitive plants. There are three scenarios which can occur in cold weather. The first is simple chilling damage which can be seen on tropical plants even before freezing temperatures have occurred. 

 The second two are the most common: radiational and advective freezing. Radiational freezing is often associated with the occurrence of frost and is most likely to happen on very clear nights with little wind. Essentially, what happens is that heat from the plants and surrounding area radiates out into the night sky. Plants may freeze even if air temperatures are slightly above 32°F. In a radiational freeze event, plants can be protected by covering with fabric or placing plants under a roof or dense tree canopy. 

 The last and most dangerous scenario to cold sensitive plants is the advective freeze event – also known as a hard freeze. This occurs when cold air rapidly blows in from the north, causing a quick drop in air temperature. Advective freezing is particularly deadly to cold sensitive plants because a plant is more likely to be completely killed compared to radiational freeze events. Complete protection from the freezing air is necessary to protect plants when advective freezing is expected. In this situation freeze protection of cold sensitive fruit trees and shrubs using sprinkler irrigation systems, if applicable, may be necessary.

Plan to attend the special educational offerings at Spring Festival. The times and topics will also be printed on the brochure you receive on entry to the festival.   

Watch our Master Gardener Website for an updated list of vendors:   

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/

Photo Credit UF/IFAS Photo Archive

 It is cold outside but we look at the calendar and see that Florida’s spring is not too far off.

 This brings to mind that fertilizer time is almost here. What do we fertilize and when?

 Azaleas are about to burst into bloom. Soon our landscape will be covered with those spectacular blooms that signal the arrival of spring. Do not prune or fertilize until after they finish blooming. Clean up around them and add fresh mulch.

 Other woody shrubs such as camellias, gardenias, and hydrangeas can be fed now.

 Most vegetables take approximately 55-90 days to mature. Planting in mid-February allows crops to mature before high temperatures set in and pests appear. Plant seeds for collards, cucumbers, endive, beans, cantaloupe, corn, kale and carrots.

 This month is a good time to put in flower bulbs such as canna, caladium, dahlias, gladiolus, and tuberose. Daffodils should be forming buds and will show their yellow and white faces to the sun. Fill in between with some annual for early color.

 There is a phrase used in the study of Florida Friendly Gardening Principles: “Right plant, right place”. Plants want to grow and it is our job to not put obstacles in their path. When you choose a plant, please consider its drought tolerance, pest remittance, sun/shade needs, nutritional requirements, wind resistance, mature size, and is it ‘Florida Friendly”.

 Considering these traits at purchase/planting time results in a healthy plant and a happy gardener.

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.