Usually we turn the water on just before the sun comes up. The water melts the frost off the plant so that the sun doesn't "burn" it when it hits. What was your temperature last night, Syreeta? Maybe it was just too cold?

Hard to explain to non-gardeners what it means to save your precious plants - sort of like my son grumbling yesterday when i asked him to help bring in my containers.

Maybe you could get some camoflage blankets? :>

You didn't do anything wrong, Syreeta. It apparently just got too cold.

The theory behind the sprinkler is that water is above the freezing point. Sprinkling water throughout the night will prevent the plants from freezing. This works if the temp is just slightly below the freeze point. i.e. .. water will be on the plant...not ice. However, the key word is 'slightly below the freeze point'. When it gets too far below freezing, the sprinkler water will remain liquid (it is coming from a considerably warmer source)....but the water that falls on the plant will freeze in response to the air temperature. Kinda like creating a freezing rain.

Do you know how cold your lows were last night?
Jan

Hi Syreeta,

My dahlias got hit a couple of days ago...they are now black.....along with my begonias. I will be lifting them as soon as I have time.

The sprinkler method only works until a certain temp. Then thats it. When the foliage turns brown/black just lift them and wait till next year.

OMG never bring your hubby here...haha we are that weird couple up the street....LMAO! Look they tuck there plants in nice and cozy at night and even dance around the garden. :O

Sierra