Gardening Experts Advise Bringing Plants Indoors During Central Illinois Deep Freeze

Overnight temperatures in the 30s could damage warm-weather plants, but early season veggies should be fine.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:33am

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An extremely abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a blurred, colorful garden scene, conceptually representing the need to protect vulnerable plants during sudden cold snaps.Gardeners in Central Illinois must be prepared to quickly move delicate plants indoors to protect them from unexpected spring freezes.Champaign Today

With a deep freeze expected overnight in Central Illinois, gardening experts are recommending that residents bring certain plants indoors to protect them from the cold temperatures. Steve Brown, the manager of Prairie Gardens in Champaign, said early season vegetables and annuals should be fine if temperatures drop to 32 degrees, but warm-weather plants like tomatoes and peppers will need to be dug up and brought inside to avoid damage.

Why it matters

Knowing which plants to protect during sudden cold snaps is crucial for home gardeners in Central Illinois, where the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring. Properly caring for plants during a freeze can mean the difference between a bountiful harvest and losing an entire season's worth of work.

The details

According to Brown, early season vegetables and annuals like lettuce and marigolds should be able to withstand overnight lows around 32 degrees. However, he advises that gardeners dig up and bring inside any warm-weather plants they've already put in the ground, such as tomatoes and peppers, to prevent them from being damaged by the freeze. If unsure, Brown recommends erring on the side of caution and bringing the plant indoors or covering it to protect it.

  • A deep freeze is expected overnight on Monday, April 7, 2026 in Central Illinois.

The players

Steve Brown

The manager of Prairie Gardens, a gardening center in Champaign, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“Bottom line, if somebody's put something in the ground or in a pot or container, and they're not sure, bring it inside or cover it up or protect it.”

— Steve Brown, Manager, Prairie Gardens

The takeaway

Knowing how to properly protect plants during sudden cold snaps is an essential skill for home gardeners in the Midwest, where the weather can be unpredictable. Following the advice of local experts can help ensure your garden survives unexpected freezes and thrives throughout the growing season.