October 20

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How to Protect Your Plants From Cold Weather and Frost

By Randy Sample

October 20, 2019


tips on how to keep plants and shrubs saved during the winter

Winter is the time of year when we like to curl up in a warm environment. The same can be said for your tender outdoor plants. 


While many garden plants are hardy enough to survive the coldest of cold snaps, some are more vulnerable and need a little extra help. A hard frost can cause severe damage to these plants and shrubs and can even kill them completely. Excess rain can also cause rot and harsh winter winds can cause damage to foliage. 


The good news is that there are many things you can do to ensure your plants stay safe, dry and warm during the winter months and are ready to flourish when spring finally comes back around. 

4 Things You Can Do

1.

Bring Tender Plants Indoors

If you have plants in containers, these can be moved inside to protect them during the winter. A greenhouse or a cool porch are great locations and will protect your most vulnerable plants from wind, rain, frost, and snow. Lemon verbena, pelargoniums, and fuchsias are just some of the plants that are most vulnerable to frost.

2.

Pack Up Your Shrubs

Some half-hardy shrubs can suffer severely from frost damage. Wrapping your shrubs in a fleece jacket and packing it with straw is a great way to protect them. If you have large exotics such as cordylines in your garden, we recommend tying up the leaves during the winter months to prevent wind damage and to stop water from pooling at the bottom of the plant and causing the base to rot.

3.

Protect With Mulch

If you have plants that grow from shallow tubers or rhizomes, adding mulch can prevent them from becoming waterlogged and suffering frost damage. Apply a deep layer of mulch around the base of plants such as dahlias and cannas to provide protection to these delicate areas.

4.

Elevate Your Pots

If you have some pots that you can’t move inside or you simply don’t have the space to store them, you can lift them from the ground to prevent water-logging. Specially designed pot feet are available, but wine corks will do the job equally as well. Wrap plants like lavender in horticultural fleece or a hessian cloth to prevent frost and root damage.

Winter Mulch Supplies

Our mulch provides excellent protection for your plants during the long and cold winter months. We can also give you expert advice on how to protect your plants from winter frost kill. To find out more, call us at (413) 525-0060 or contact us here.

Randy Sample

About the author

Randy's strong work ethic and love of the outdoors was acquired as a young boy growing up and working on a dairy farm in upstate New York. He spent his summers working with his father in construction.

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