The first official day of winter is finally upon us (even though there have certainly been many “wintery” days already), so if you haven’t prepped your outside plants for the season it is time to do it. The frost and freezing temperatures of winter can severely damage and even kill outside plants if they’re not protected. Read on for some tips to keep your outdoor plants safe this season.
Understand Frost
Frost happens when moisture freezes overnight on the ground, plants, and surfaces. The severity of the frost is measured based on the temperature: slight frost (25.7-32 degrees), moderate frost (20.3-25.6 degrees), severe frost (11.3-20.2 degrees), and very severe (below 11.3 degrees). Some plants are hardy enough to withstand some of the warmer levels of frost, but some plants can be damaged by any frost or freezing temperatures.
Don’t Overwater
Remember that during the winter, plants are in their dormant phase, so they don’t need to be watered like they do in the spring and summer. If there is a lot of extra water in the soil and around the roots when it drops below freezing, that water can actually do a lot of harm.
Protect The Roots
Mulching is the name of the game when it comes to protecting plant roots. It is best to lay down mulch – usually about 2-4 inches – in the fall so that it acts as a barrier as the temperatures drop in the winter, keeping the warmth in the ground and the cold out.
Protect The Leaves
For plants that are susceptible to frost, consider plant wraps as a means to protect those fragile leaves. Traditionally, these wraps were made of burlap, but now they are available in a variety of materials that make them durable and easy to use. Wrapping your plants in an appropriate material can keep them from getting frostbite and dying.
Protect The Whole Plant
Whenever possible, move your whole plant inside. This isn’t possible with large trees or shrubs, but if your plants are in pots, bring them inside (or into a shed or garage) for the winter. Alternatively, consider constructing a greenhouse around the more sensitive plants and landscaping that can’t be relocated. A greenhouse will trap the warmth from the sun during the day so that the plants are more protected from the dropping temperatures at night.
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