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Florida, in the southeastern United States, is called the Sunshine State.It grows more oranges than any
place except Brazil.But Arctic air has damaged some Florida oranges and strawberries in recent days, and
killed fish at tropical fish farms.
The unusually long period of cold weather has shown how even warm climates can sometimes freeze
over.But protecting plants and trees in the garden may not be too difficult if you follow a few suggestions.
Sudden cold can be the biggest threat, expecially after a warm period.Plants have not had a chance to
harden their defenses.Those that are actively growing or flowering are at high risk.
Try to choose plants that live best with cold weather, and make planting areas face west and south.
Being near other growth may also provide warmth.
Most frost damage takes place at night.Ice crystals form on the leaf surface.They pull moisture(水分)
from the leaves and keep plant tissues from getting water.
Cold weather is most likely to damage or kill plants that do not have enough moisture.So keep the
garden watered.Moist soil absorbs more heat than loose, dry soil covered with mulch or vegetation.
Experts of University of Arizona say covering plants and small trees with cloth or paper can help
prevent frost damage.A onehundred watt light bulb designed for outdoor use can also provide warmth.
Some people place Christmas lights on young trees for warmth.The bulbs should hang below the leaves
to let the heat rise into the tree.
Cold is especially dangerous to citrus trees.Agricultural specialists at the University of California
suggest putting paper or cloth around the trunk and central branches of young Citrus trees.
In Florida, as temperatures fell to record lows, citrus growers sprayed water on their trees to help prevent
freeze damage.
Jim Bottcher is a master gardener with the University of Florida extension.He explains that as the water
freezes, it produces heat, and the ice forms a protective blanket around the tree.If you spray a tree, keep
the water away from nearby power lines.Heavy ice can form and break them.
You can also wrap a tree in palm tree frond leaves, corn stalks or fiberglass.Adding plastic film works
well in rain and snow.But experts say plastic alone does not help much.
| 1 caused by cold in Florida |
__2__damage to some oranges and strawberries.
Killing fish.
|
| 3 to protect plants and trees |
Choose plants__4__for cold weather.
Try to make the garden remain
__5__.
__6__plants and small trees with cloth or paper.
Hang bulbs __7__warmth below the leaves.
__8__the trunk and the branches of young citrus trees with paper or cloth.
__9__the ice as a protective blanket.
Some tree__10__and plastic film can protect the tree. |