CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — We're still a few days away from the worst of the wintry weather headed the Coastal Bend’s way, so there’s still time to take care of your pipes and plants.
Hanging baskets and small potted tropical plants can come inside now, while larger potted plants can wait a little longer.
For plants in the ground, especially small ones, covering them with cloth can help keep them warm. However, make sure you make a tent of the covering and don't wrap it around stems.
For any plant, the most important thing is plenty of water.
“Watering all our plants thoroughly whether they’re in pots or in the ground,” said Dr. Michael Womack, Executive Director of the South Texas Botanical Gardens. “It will provide more moisture for them and it also keeps the ground warmer.”
Another concern, especially for older homes, are pipes.
Many older homes have exposed pipe which can be susceptible to the cold. A solution is to get a foam pipe wrap or anything with an insulation rating of R13 or better.
Also, keep one faucet running at a drip, or shut off your water at the meter. Just make sure you clear your lines if you do that.
“Anything that you can do top keep that water flowing because when water compresses its going to go out,” said Ron Lemons, Plumbing Manager with ABC Home and Commercial Services. “It’ll blow copper pipes, it’ll blow galvanized.”
If you choose to leave an outdoor hose bib dripping, make sure there’s a bucket underneath to prevent damage to your yard or home foundation.
