Guard Plants Against Frost Heave
By Cindy Bellinger When water remains in the soil, it freezes and often pushes up the ground. This is nature's way of aerating the earth. It's also called frost heave and when soil repeatedly freezes and thaws in a garden, you can lose a few plants. Heaving often fractures roots--taproots as well as lateral roots. It can also create elevated crowns, pushing a plant up slightly thus making it dry out. Better Drainage
 Good soil drainage is essential for plants to survive the winter. Our clay soil retains water so loosen it up by adding organic matter. The organic Soil Mender® products work well for creating loose soil--Compost, Blend Plus or in a pinch you can stir in some of the mulch. Further Actions to Take - Dig ditches to draw off excess moisture
- Make raised beds from wood, stone or concrete blocks
- Plant on berms or mounded areas that let water run off naturally
If roots of xeric plants sit submerged in water, they will rot. Watering
 It's important to continue watering during the winter, but when surrounded by standing water, plants will wilt. It's a paradox that water-laden roots are unable to gather water but wet, saturated conditions starve plants of oxygen and other nutrients.
Excessively wet soil can decrease winter hardiness in some plants.
The Role of Temperature
Frost heave occurs when temperatures are inconsistent. When the ground remains frozen, heave doesn't occur. It's when the ground starts to thaw that problems occur, when the soil shifts underground.
Mulch helps keep the soil temperature consistent.
Plants Most Susceptible
 Freezing is the most common cause of winter damage in a garden, and newly installed plants are most vulnerable. Their roots aren't sufficiently anchored.
Not all is lost, of course. The rule of thumb is if a plant pops out, just tuck it back in. And of course keep your fingers crossed that it makes it. Read My Little Garden Patch - gardening column by Cindy Bellinger.
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