Winter is tough on plants, which are often exposed to hard wind, rain, and freezing temperatures, not to mention snow.
Luckily, there are ways to protect the plants in your garden and yard from frost. When the temperature drops to freezing, or 32 degrees, frost damage can be minimal and only affect a leaf or two. But if the temperature continues to drop, plant cells will freeze, and nonhardy plants will die.
Of course, the best way to protect your garden from frost is to only grow plants that can withstand the frost. Ask a qualified local nurseryman what plants are suitable to grow in your area.
If the forecast calls for frost where you live, cover your garden plants before dusk. Use newspaper, cardboard, plastic tarps, bed sheets, or any other lightweight material to create a tent of protection. Remove the covers in the morning after the frost has thawed.
Potted plants can be brought indoors overnight, or brought undercover on a porch or patio.
If despite your best efforts, frost damage occurs, leave the dead or damaged parts intact, as they will provide limited insulation from further frost damage.