UBC News

How To Protect Plants In Winter: Big Spring, TX Garden Maintenance Tips

Episode Summary

Big Spring's unique climate demands specific winter garden strategies that differ from typical Texas advice. Professional landscapers share proven techniques for protecting plants against devastating wind damage and temperature extremes. To learn more, visit: https://www.johansenstx.com/

Episode Notes

You've spent years carefully cultivating your Big Spring garden, watching your plants grow and thrive in our challenging West Texas climate. Then winter arrives with one of those infamous blue northers, and overnight your beautiful landscape transforms into a collection of brown, wind-battered casualties. If this scenario sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. Big Spring sits in a particularly tricky spot, climatically speaking. We're dealing with desert-like conditions mixed with sudden temperature swings that can drop forty degrees in just a few hours. Most gardening advice you'll find online assumes you live somewhere with predictable seasons and decent rainfall. Here in Howard County, we get maybe twenty inches of precipitation in a good year, and our winter winds can strip moisture from plants faster than a freeze can kill them. The real challenge isn't just the cold - it's the combination of factors that make Big Spring winters so tough on landscapes. Those persistent winds from the north and west don't just make us bundle up when we're outside. They're actively working against our plants, pulling moisture out through their leaves while the dry air makes it harder for roots to absorb water from increasingly parched soil. Professional landscapers who work in this area have learned some specific tricks that make all the difference. Wind protection often matters more than cold protection here. Simple windbreaks using burlap or even strategically placed lawn furniture can create those crucial microclimates that help plants survive our harshest weather. The key is positioning these barriers on the north and west sides while leaving the south and east open for morning sun. Timing becomes critical too. Unlike other parts of Texas where you might follow a set calendar for winter prep, Big Spring gardeners need to stay flexible and watch the weather forecasts closely. Having your protection materials ready to deploy quickly can mean the difference between minor plant stress and major replacement costs come spring. Smart plant selection plays a huge role as well. Native species like Texas sage and cenizo have built-in defenses against our specific conditions, while non-native plants often struggle despite careful preparation. Understanding these distinctions helps homeowners make better long-term landscaping investments. For homeowners looking to protect their landscape investments this winter, working with experienced local professionals can provide the region-specific expertise that makes all the difference. Check out the link in the description to learn more about professional winter garden preparation services that understand Big Spring's unique challenges from Joehansen Landscape & Nursey. Johansen Landscape & Nursery City: Big Spring Address: 700 Johansen Road Website: https://www.johansenstx.com/