A sunporch or other house space that is bright and not heated to normal room temperatures, can be used for overwintering hardy plants who don't want temperatures to go much above 40F (4.44C). Many hardy plants require a cold dormancy period. They tolerate freezing, but they don't actually need it to be freezing, just chilly. If they are totally dormant, you can keep them in a garage, basement or other unlit room that stays cool but doesn't freeze. You will need to watch them carefully from about February onward for signs of breaking dormancy and be prepared to give them bright light once this happens. If you keep plants in a space that does not freeze, they will break dormancy before they can safely be put outside. All plants wintered under cover will need a bit of a hardening off period before they are set out in full sun (if you have any). Mine summer under our covered walk, so that is not really an issue except for plants like Cannas who are set out in pots in sun for the summer.
Odd But True
I've been told that one nursery would pile all unsold plants in a huge pile and cover the entire thing in black plastic for the winter. This sounds odd, but it worked for them. I know I have covered my sunken cold frame with old rugs, a piece of plywood and black plastic and left it through December, January and half of February. When opened, everything was just fine. Since the sand in the frame was moist, nothing dried out and even the evergreen azalea cuttings didn't seem to mind the lack of light. I guess they all thought they were buried in three feet (1m) of snow!
And, Finally
Plants in pots cannot be allowed to dry out completely, but, on the other hand, you don't want to over water them, which just promotes rot when they are not actively growing. I have found ventilation and watering to be the most challenging aspects of bringing plants in pots through the winter when they are covered. Those that are plunged, but otherwise unprotected behave more like plants in the ground - except, of course, when there is a freak ice storm!
Well, I've told you what's worked for me, so what have you done to overwinter your hardy potted plants? If you have another method that works for you, please drop by the discussion and let me know what it is. See ya' later.
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