069 Protecting Succulents from the Cold (One Answer May Surprise You!)

For those of us in USDA Zone 9, protecting citrus trees from a frost or freeze is a primary concern. But what about all the gardeners in USDA Zones 9, 8 and 7 that have a yard full of succulents? What is the best way to protect them from cold damage? We talk with the Plant Lady, Marlene Simon, from the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, who has tips for keeping your succulents alive through the winter. And one of her tips involving water might be the direct opposite of what you are doing!It’s Episode 69 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Picture: a frozen succulent, the aeonium (Photo courtesy Debra Lee Baldwin)Links:Marlene Simon, The Plant Lady, WebsiteUC Botanical ConservatoryBook: "Succulents" by Robin StockwellMore Succulent Cold Protection Tips from author Debra Lee BaldwinThe Miracle Berry that Marlene referred toGrowing the Miracle Berry from SeedFarmer Fred Rant:  Preparing your Yard  for a Frost or FreezeFarmer Fred Rant: Hard Freeze Coming? How to PrepareFarmer Fred Rant: What To Do (And Not Do) After a Hard FreezeHeavy Duty Frost Cloths by AgribonMore episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer FredGarden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February.  More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed.Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe.Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: [email protected] or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening.All About Farmer Fred:Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comDaily Garden tips and snark on TwitterThe Farmer Fred Rant! BlogFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"Instagram: farmerfredhoffmanFarmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTubeAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics  Newsletter.