Gardening 101: Protecting Your Plants During Winter
The temperature outside is dropping rapidly and in some locations it has already snowed. If you haven't taken an liberties to help your little patio garden plants keep warm through winter, it may not be too late! Of course, down here in the south it still doesn't seem like winter yet.
Being prepared:
Although (and I apologize!) this article may be late for some of you already in the midst of winter freezes, being prepared for next winter will help you have a longer-lasting garden. Check out the plant hardiness map (http://www.ars-grin.gov/na/special.html ) to see which zone you live in. Knowing which zone will help you plan how much protection your plants will need during the cold months and how to prune and care for your plants during the spring. If you ever had a seed packet, usually there is a map on the back and some plant care suggestions.
Another useful thing to know is which plants can survive winter and which always die. This way, you won't be too disappointed when you find your plants dead. Annuals die every year, so once they die throw them out. Perennials come back (rebloom) every Spring, so although they look dead during Winter, don't throw them out. Roses are incredibly delicate and need special attention during the cold months. And even when your plants are inside, some may need special attention as soon as you turn up the heat. Be sure to check the references section for more detailed help.
Solution #1 -- Moving your plants:
The easiest way to protect your contained plants (those in pots) from the ice and snow outside is to move them inside. Find a corner spot with the most sunlight and line the floor with newspapers or tin foil before setting your pots down. If you use newspaper, be prepared to change them if they get wet otherwise they start to smell. If your pots already have nice saucers with them, you may not need to use the newspapers at all. Just be careful when watering. Although this is an easy solution to prevent the cold outside from killing your plants, moving them may actually shock the plant. Allow the plant to adjust to its new environment. Avoid over-watering. Do not place your plants in front of heat vents. If you have garage space, you may temporarily move your plants there, but the lack of sunlight might not be good for them. Tender plants, some bulbs, and water lilies need to be brought inside.
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