Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to protect your plants from the cold. Sensitive plants in particular can suffer severe damage from freezing temperatures. But don’t worry, with the right protection your plants can survive the winter. Read on for our top tips on how to protect your plants from frost and prepare them for winter!
1. Use a plant blanket or fleece
One of the best ways to protect your garden plants from the cold is to wrap them in a plant blanket or fleece. These breathable fabrics keep the cold out while also letting sunlight through. Fleece is lightweight and easy to apply. Wrap it tightly around the plant, but make sure to leave a little space for air circulation. Don't forget to seal the bottom tightly to keep the cold air out!
2. Move sensitive plants to a sheltered spot
Do you have plants in pots that you can move? Then it is smart to move them to a sheltered spot, such as against a wall or under a canopy. It is often a bit warmer here, especially at night when the temperatures drop. Make sure that the spot does not catch too much wind, because the wind can dry out your plants. If your plants are not easy to move, you can also wrap them or provide extra protection, such as an old blanket or jute bag.
3. Bringing potted plants indoors
Preparing potted plants for the winter often means bringing them inside. Even if you don’t have a greenhouse, you can still put them in a bright, cool spot in your home. A garage, basement, or unheated porch are great options. Make sure your potted plants aren’t in a drafty spot, as drafts can damage the roots.
4. Protect the roots with straw or compost
The roots of your plants are the most vulnerable to cold. To protect them, you can cover the soil around the roots with a layer of straw, leaves, pine needles or compost. This will keep the roots warmer and your plants will be better able to withstand the cold. This is especially important for young trees and shrubs, which are not yet fully developed.
5. Cover your garden furniture and flower boxes
Don’t forget to protect your garden furniture and flower boxes! Wooden furniture can easily be damaged by moisture and cold, so it’s a good idea to cover it with a waterproof cover or move it inside. Plastic or terracotta flower boxes should be turned over or covered so that they don’t freeze and crack.
6. Create a winter 'bubble' for your plants
If you live in an area where it can get really cold, you can create a kind of 'bubble' for your plants by covering them with plastic wrap or a plastic greenhouse. This will help keep the temperature around your plants a few degrees higher. Make sure you have enough ventilation, so your plants don't get moldy from the moisture.
7. Prune wisely
Don't prune your garden plants just before the frost! Pruning too much can weaken your plant and make it less resistant to the cold. It is better to prune in the spring, when your plant is coming out of its winter dormancy. If you have branches that are visibly damaged by the cold, you can prune them away to prevent them from getting sick.
8. Check your plants regularly
Keep checking your plants during the winter months. Check that they are well protected and that there are no moisture or mold problems due to the protection you have applied. Especially when the weather conditions change, it is important to make sure that your protection remains intact.
Get your garden ready for winter!
With these simple tips, you can prepare your plants for the cold. Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or just some potted plants indoors, it is important to protect them from the winter elements. By wrapping them up, moving them to a sheltered spot, or providing extra protection, you give your plants the best chance of going into spring healthy and strong!
1. Use a plant blanket or fleece
One of the best ways to protect your garden plants from the cold is to wrap them in a plant blanket or fleece. These breathable fabrics keep the cold out while also letting sunlight through. Fleece is lightweight and easy to apply. Wrap it tightly around the plant, but make sure to leave a little space for air circulation. Don't forget to seal the bottom tightly to keep the cold air out!
2. Move sensitive plants to a sheltered spot
Do you have plants in pots that you can move? Then it is smart to move them to a sheltered spot, such as against a wall or under a canopy. It is often a bit warmer here, especially at night when the temperatures drop. Make sure that the spot does not catch too much wind, because the wind can dry out your plants. If your plants are not easy to move, you can also wrap them or provide extra protection, such as an old blanket or jute bag.
3. Bringing potted plants indoors
Preparing potted plants for the winter often means bringing them inside. Even if you don’t have a greenhouse, you can still put them in a bright, cool spot in your home. A garage, basement, or unheated porch are great options. Make sure your potted plants aren’t in a drafty spot, as drafts can damage the roots.
4. Protect the roots with straw or compost
The roots of your plants are the most vulnerable to cold. To protect them, you can cover the soil around the roots with a layer of straw, leaves, pine needles or compost. This will keep the roots warmer and your plants will be better able to withstand the cold. This is especially important for young trees and shrubs, which are not yet fully developed.
5. Cover your garden furniture and flower boxes
Don’t forget to protect your garden furniture and flower boxes! Wooden furniture can easily be damaged by moisture and cold, so it’s a good idea to cover it with a waterproof cover or move it inside. Plastic or terracotta flower boxes should be turned over or covered so that they don’t freeze and crack.
6. Create a winter 'bubble' for your plants
If you live in an area where it can get really cold, you can create a kind of 'bubble' for your plants by covering them with plastic wrap or a plastic greenhouse. This will help keep the temperature around your plants a few degrees higher. Make sure you have enough ventilation, so your plants don't get moldy from the moisture.
7. Prune wisely
Don't prune your garden plants just before the frost! Pruning too much can weaken your plant and make it less resistant to the cold. It is better to prune in the spring, when your plant is coming out of its winter dormancy. If you have branches that are visibly damaged by the cold, you can prune them away to prevent them from getting sick.
8. Check your plants regularly
Keep checking your plants during the winter months. Check that they are well protected and that there are no moisture or mold problems due to the protection you have applied. Especially when the weather conditions change, it is important to make sure that your protection remains intact.
Get your garden ready for winter!
With these simple tips, you can prepare your plants for the cold. Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or just some potted plants indoors, it is important to protect them from the winter elements. By wrapping them up, moving them to a sheltered spot, or providing extra protection, you give your plants the best chance of going into spring healthy and strong!
