Overwintering Perennials in Containers

The best way to protect the top part of the plant from frost is to wrap it by putting several tall stakes around the rim of the pot, and wrap with plastic or cloth. If you can move your pots, take advantage of any heat or wind protection from the side of your house or other buildings. Grouping all of your pots in one place can make it easier to construct a protective shelter for them to protect them from strong winds or heavy snow.

You should keep in mind that it's not just plants that you should be worrying about protecting for the winter. Bring any empty plastic, clay, and ceramic containers into a frost-free area so they don't split or get damaged by the cold. Clay is especially vulnerable to cracking when the weather freezes and thaws as moisture in the pores of the clay expand and contract.

So that's my take on overwintering. Unfortunately, much like everything else in the wonderful world of gardening, there are no foolproof methods for keeping perennials alive through the winter. Just do your best to keep them from freezing, and your plants should do ok. I'd love to hear what others have tried that has and hasn't worked - so keep those discussion posts coming!

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