Things You'll Need:
- Blanket
- Plastic sheeting
- Heavy rocks
- Mulch
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Step 1
Watch the weather report whenever the weather seems to be cool. If there is a threat of frost, protect your petunias before going to bed for the evening. Frost occurs on clear, cold evenings. As the temperature drops, moisture that would normally be classified as dew solidifies into ice crystals that can damage tender plant tissues.
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Step 2
Bring petunias that have been planted in containers indoors for the evening. Place the baskets and planters in a cool, dark location, such as the basement or garage, to keep them from becoming too warm.
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Step 3
Place an old blanket or long piece of plastic sheeting over your petunia beds. Weight the edges of the cover with bricks, stones or other weatherproof weights.
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Step 4
Remove the blanket in the morning once the sun has risen, taking care not to damage the fragile flower stems.
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Step 5
Return baskets and containers to the outdoors, placing them in full sun to encourage a full recovery from the cold spell and temporary lack of lighting.
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Step 6
Add an extra layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help the soil retain heat and give the roots an additional layer of insulation.
