Question
I live in SW Florida, and during the month of January, the temps do go down to mid 30 degrees. I have an automatic sprinkler system that waters 2 days a week. Somewhere I read that in case of frost, make sure to water plants more frequently. I would like to get the proper advise, since this evening, we're expecting temperatures in the 30's.
I have hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, firebush, bottlebrush,and oleander plus arecas & palms.

Answer
Hi Cherie, I too live in SW Florida (Port Charlotte) and yes, protective measures need to be taken for tonight and maybe tomorrow, I have been at it all day, for you can imagine what I have to protect; Here are measures I believe need to taken for your plants. The Bougs, Jasmine, firebush and bottle brush, oleaner may get stung, but all in all they should be fine, the temps are not supposed to go below freezing if you are west of 75. The arecas and palms will be just fine, for they are somewhat more resilient then the smaller plants. If you have any annuals, or perennials, they will need protection such as a flood light on them all night or a covering that doesn't touch the leaves, you need to have air between the covering and the plant itself for it to effectively protect the plant. Vegetables will need the same care. There is a huge difference between a frost and a freeze and luckily, we (west of 75) are only looking at a frost. Freeze precautions consist of wrapping the root area with a heavy blanket and floodlamps on the trunk area. Watering your plants well will also help, because the ambient temperature of the water will radiate heat at night and help keep the colder air temps at bay. I have even run my sprinklers over my Bananas all night (well water) and that has kept them from getting stung by the frost, but you take a chance if the temp dips below freezing, then you wake up to a ice crystal display that is wonderful to look at, but fatal for your Bananas. Nick