In the Garden: Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
December, 2013 Regional Report  Share |  Move succulents in pots
under cover for frost protection, and keep them barely moist all
winter long.  Preventing Frost Damage  We're officially into our
frost-possible weather zone (Thanksgiving through January 31),
so here are some suggestions for ways to lessen the likelihood
of extensive damage should a hard frost hit.  Wrap trunks in
newspaper, and cover the foliage with plastic sheeting. Support
the plastic away from the foliage, as it will conduct the frost
damage to the leaves it touches. Also, a low-wattage (40W or so)
light bulb hung in the center of the tree (or several in larger
trees) should keep it snug enough over really cold nights. Cold
soil and dry winds can stress citrus trees, causing the rinds of
ripening fruit to develop bleached blotches and leaves to turn
yellow where the sun strikes.  Cacti and Succulents Container
plants should be moved under cover for protection from cold and
rain. R