Its too hot, too dry and my plants don't know what to do (niether do I). Should I water them like it was spring? What should I do to protect budding plants from a freeze should winter decide to return?
George in San Antonio
Confused plant in a winter drought
Yes, water them but don't keep them soggy. Drought stressed plants can't take a freeze as well as the ones that have been kept watered.
The year we had the freeze here I purchased bales of hay and covered my plants with loose hay, the taller plants I wrapped in blankets. I even had coleus survive under the hay.
Don't use plastic to cover plants.
I've been trying to remember that, while plants generally need less water in winter than during the growing season, they do still need water. I've been trying to supplement for the rainfall they would normally be getting this time of year.