Question
Hello!  I left my two beautiful ferns outside on the front porch while we were out of town-not knowing the temperature would drop at/below freezing while we were gone.  Now, I have two brown, very sad looking ferns at my front door.  I had big plans to 'winter' them in our garage, but now it seems that they've been killed off by Jack Frost.  Any hope for them?  If so, what can I do?  How often do you water plants stored indoors for the winter?  I'm writing from Southwest Georgia, by the way.  Thanks for any help!
Teri

Answer
I would cut the brown off down to the lowest two or three leaves, and wait for spring. If no new growth occurs, then they are dead.
I water only enough to keep my dormant plants alive, in the winter. Notice I said dormant. Some plants continue to grow in the winter. Christmas cactus is an example, and many house plants such as indoor ferns, will require more water, but I wouldn't give your recovering, plants very much water until they are growing again.
I am sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this damage to your two beautiful plants. I too, have had plants killed by the cold, even when I am careful.
bakerplanter