How To Protect Your Plants In Winter

If you have many plants in your garden, you should prepare them so that they can cope with the winter. Here are five ways to keep them safe from the cold.

Most plants are not well-suited for low temperatures, snow and/or ice. The cold often affects the plant’s young tissues, including the leaves and most tender buds. They can develop a darkening effect in just a few hours which can affect the plant’s production during spring and summer.

Winter can also cause damage to the bark and trunk, mostly due to extreme temperature changes that can lead very deep vertical cracks. Even the most superficial roots are vulnerable. One of the biggest problems for plants in winter is their inability to absorb water. They can also suffer the same effects as drought and even die.

Here are five basic winter care tips for your plants

Tip #1
Before fall arrives, fertilize them. You should fertilize plants that are still alive if you live in cold areas. This will ensure that the plant gets the maximum nutrients. You should choose a product that lasts.

Tip #2
Place a cushion. Mulch is a great way to protect your plants from the cold. It will keep the roots warm by keeping the temperature inside slightly higher than the outside. This mulch can be made with dried leaves, pine bark, gravel, or a combination of both.

Tip #3
Use a thermal fabric to cover the plants. A thermal fabric can be used to create a small greenhouse around plants that are prone to heat. You can find very fine fabrics that are almost transparent. These allow the sun’s rays through but also raise the temperature between 3 to 5 degrees. To give your plants extra protection in cold areas, you can add a second layer. You should be aware that plastic covering plants is not a good idea as they don’t perspire so you will need to keep them exposed to air.

Tip #4
Reduce the amount of watering. Even though plants don’t grow in winter, they still need to be watered to replenish their moisture and get the nutrients they require. Reduce the frequency of irrigation gradually and remember to use warm water when the sun is higher so it penetrates the soil and doesn’t freeze on the plants.

Tip #5
Pots should be protected. Because they have very little soil, potted plants are more susceptible to low temperatures. Ceramic and terracotta pots are susceptible to cracking due to sudden temperature changes. It is best not only to protect them from the elements but also to cover them with bubble wrap or cardboard. It is best to group potted plants in an area that is more secure, such as near a wall. The strongest plants can be placed on the outside, while the weaker plants can be placed on the inside. This will create a microclimate that regulates temperature and humidity.