RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Winter is coming, and even though it doesn't get as cold here in the Palmetto State as it does in other northern states, we still experience cold snaps and some of those winter weather elements.
So here's how you can protect your plants as the temperatures drop.
"(This is) A purple basil plant that I purposely left out last night cause we had some cold weather, just to show you what happens to a plant that's not ready to live in cold weather," said Tim Carrier, master gardener with the Richland County Master Gardener Association.
Heavy, wilted and dark leaves are the signs of winter on some South Carolina plants, like banana trees.
Richland County master gardeners Isha Kirton and Tim Carrier say some plants like rosemary, carrots and lettuce thrive even through the winter.
The two garden experts showed News 19 what needs to be done in the winter months.
One of the ways you can protect more sensitive plants and shield them from the elements in the winter is by putting a towel over them.
But these gardeners explain to keep in mind that wind often comes with the cold, so you might need to tie down the covering, or just bring the plant inside altogether, especially if it's a small potted plant.
Another technique is mulching.
"Mulching is taking organic matter and layering around your plants or your trees to protect them from weeds growing or to sustain the temperature of the soil," Kirton, president of the Gardener Association said.
In addition to tending to the physical garden, Carrier tells News 19 now is a good time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools.
"Get them in good shape. It's a quiet time of year, it's a good time to do these sorts of planning things," Carrier said.
If you'd like to learn more about winter weather help when it comes to plants, feel free to join our Gandy's Gardeners Facebook page for more details.