Protecting Your Plants from Harsh Winter Weather
Homeowners who have plants on the patio, in the garden, and around their outdoor areas face a major problem each winter — how to protect their plants against extremely cold weather. It helps if you put the plants in lightweight planters that can withstand extreme temperatures and be easily moved if necessary. But this is not the only way you can keep your greenery alive during the chillier months.
Keep Your Plants Warm Throughout Winter
You know winter is right around the corner when people start sending their outerwear to the dry cleaners. Alternatively, you might be seeing more coats, jackets, gloves, and mittens in your favorite clothing stores. Preparation for winter is not entirely about keeping yourself warm, though. Winter preparation goes beyond having the right clothes and making sure the heat in your home is working well; it also means taking care of plants that the cold weather might negatively affect.
There are various ways that you can make sure that plants are comfortable throughout winter:
Bring potted plants indoors. Place them near windows so that they still get sun exposure and water them regularly.
Add mulch to the soil. Compost and decaying matter acts as an insulator that holds in heat and moisture.
Purchase artificial sun light to provide sufficient lighting for your plants.
Cover your plants with an old blanket or drop cloth overnight to protect them from frost. Remember to remove the cloth during the daytime so that the plants can absorb light.
Heavily water the soil when you’re expecting a particularly cold night. This way, the soil traps the heat more efficiently, and the water evaporates slowly and keeps the air warm around your plants.
On another note, if you are looking for the lowest-effort choice, research which plants are most suitable for your location’s climate. It is inevitable for some plants to die or go dormant because of extreme temperatures. Find out which plants are annuals that you can replant after winter and which are perennials that continue growing throughout the year regardless of the weather.
Don’t Rush the Winter Preparation
Homeowners should check on their heating system, clear out the vents and chimneys, and begin shopping for the holidays. With all of these things to take care of, some might forget about the plants at home. For this reason, start preparing your plants for winter as early as the beginning of fall. While the weather is still relatively tolerable, get out in the garden and protect your plants from frost, snow, and frozen soil.
Take note of the factors that heavily affect a plant’s health:
Temperature and humidity are the greatest challenges that your plants face during colder months. Conduct research on what type of climate your plants prefer and adjust their conditions by moving them to different locations on your property or investing in tools, such as humidifiers. You may have to bring your plants inside if you want them to survive and adjust the environment of your home accordingly.
Fall and winter bring shorter days. As a result, your plants will receive less sunlight which is essential to plant growth. Move indoor plants near the windows or invest in artificial lighting, such as LED bulbs before the weather worsens.
Plants may need additional supplements during fall and winter because of the shorter days and lower temperatures. So, before it gets too cold to do some research and purchase the appropriate fertilizer that will help your plants thrive when the freezing weather comes around.
Get in Touch with Us
At PolyStone Planters™ we entered this business because we wanted to solve common planter issues related to extreme temperatures and environmental toxins. We proudly provide handmade planters that will endure even the harshest winter weather.