Does moving potted plants to garages provide effective protection?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.If done accurately, garage storage of potted plants offers great frost protection. Garages serve as buffers against the extremes of temperature, while also protecting from wind and frost. Ensure the plants are not placed near heaters or radiators, as this can cause shock. Potted plants should be kept apart from houseplants for about two days to prevent pests from transferring from single pots to entire houseplants. I have had success overwintering citrus trees this way for four years now.
Positioning properly can avoid thermal shock. Plant selection to be located near the est and/or es walls. Garage doors or overhead doors not in use should be located on the tree side of a structure. Use thermal or insulated curtains to hold heat in windows. A minimum-maximum thermometer can display both negative and positive values. I keep mine 3 feet above the floor. Avoid cold sinks near concrete floors.
Pre-Entry Preparation
- Inspect for pests using magnifying glass
- Water plants 24 hours before moving
- Acclimate gradually over 3 days
Isolation Procedure
- Keep new plants 10 feet from houseplants
- Use sticky traps to monitor pest activity
- Check leaf undersides daily
Environmental Control
- Maintain 40-50°F (4-10°C) temperatures
- Provide 4 hours light via grow lights or windows
- Ensure 40-50% humidity levels
Light management is crucial for plant health during garage stays. At least 6-8 hours of light are necessary, so consider using LED grow lights as a supplement to natural light, rotate plants once a week for optimal light distribution. Simple timers help maintain a steady light cycle for plants. Dark corners can cause leaf drop and weaken plants.
Be careful when transitioning plants back outdoors. When nighttime temperatures are consistently above 45°F (7°C), begin with 2 hours of shade outdoors. Gradually increase exposure every day for 7 to 10 days. This hardening-off helps prevent sunscald on those tender leaves, which are adapted to the garage environment.
Be proactive about addressing common garage issues. Put pebble trays under pots to tackle dry air. Place plants in strategic locations to promote air circulation and deter mold. I run a small fan at low speed throughout the day. Check the soil moisture level once a week. Because garage environments slow down evaporation significantly, moisture retention will fluctuate weekly.
Read the full article: How to Protect Plants from Frost Effectively
