Gardeners can take great care of their plants, but they can't control the weather - and sometimes it can be quite harsh.
During winter, it's vital to protect your plants from cold, so they can survive until spring.
Here are some things you can do to help your plants.
Mulching
Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 3-4 inches) around the base of your plants.
This protective layer acts as insulation, keeping the soil temperature more stable and preventing it from freezing too deeply.
Plant Covers
For particularly vulnerable plants, especially those that are marginally hardy for your region, use burlap or specially designed plant covers.
These covers create a microclimate around the plant, shielding it from cold winds and frost. Make sure the cover doesn't touch the plant directly.
Potted Plants
If you have potted plants, consider bringing them indoors or placing them in a sheltered area like a garage or a greenhouse.
Pots can get very cold, and this can damage the roots and the plant itself.
Pre-freeze Watering
Water your plants thoroughly just before a freeze. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, so this can help protect the roots.
However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot in cold, soggy soil.
Winter Pruning
Limit heavy pruning during winter because it can stimulate new growth, which is vulnerable to cold. Instead, save major pruning for the spring when plants are more actively growing.
Tree Protection
Young tree trunks can be susceptible to frost cracks, which are vertical cracks that can occur due to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Protect them with tree wrap or tree guards. These prevent the sun from warming the trunk during the day and cooling it rapidly at night.
Snow Removal
After a heavy snowfall, gently remove snow from the branches of shrubs and small trees.
Heavy snow can bend or break branches. Use a broom or your hand to gently brush off the snow, working from the bottom to the top.
