Question
Expecting several mornings of frost here in Charlotte NC. I have my plants, which are sitting on a table on my patio, covered with a row cover. Is this necessary, or should I just leave my plants exposed, and let nature take it's course?

Thanks, Chuck

Answer
Hi Chuck,

Firstly, you need to identify what types of plants you're growing. North American species, such as Sarracenia and flytraps, can be left outdoors.  Tropical species need to be protected from frost.  For now, I'm going to assume you're growing North American species.  

Charlotte, North Carolina is rated USDA zone 8.  You can simply leave your plants exposed throughout the winter.  The only time you need to cover them is when the temperature drops below 20癋.  This might occur perhaps once a year for your region.  Other than that, you can keep your plants outdoors with minimum protection as we do here at our nursery (zone 8 as well).  Recently, we've has several mornings when it was 28癋.  All of our Sarracenia and flytraps were completely exposed to the frost and are just fine.

For more information about the winter care of your plants, download our care sheets at:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets.html

Good growing!
Jacob Farin