Winter is here and you have all these plants in pots, which are facing difficulties to survive. Your plants need special care to bear winter weather. The areas with cold, frosty winters need greater care than the ones in the frost-free area. Knowing the original environment the plant came from will help you recreate the best conditions. If your weather is a bit too cold or your plants a bit too tender, there are things you can do to help your garden through the winter. It all depends on how tender the plants are, how cold the weather is, how long it will be cold out, and how much energy and trouble you want to spend. For some combinations of climates and plants, no amount of extra care will keep them growing in winters, but in many cases, a bit of extra care can bridge the gap.
Bring potted plants indoors:
Take care of your plants, which are placed outdoors. Your plants may get burnt (their leaves actually turn brown) due to the chill. Cold winds and frost can damage them too. Your plants may get burnt (their leaves actually turn brown) due to the chill. So place them in protected areas, opt for pots that you can move at will, depending on the weather. Most houseplants like an even temperature. You may choose to bring some plants indoor as the temperature drops in the nights. This way you can shelter them from frost and cold bites. Avoid putting plants on a windowsill that will become very cold at night. Knowing the original environment the plant came from will help you recreate the best conditions. Add more moisture to tropical ones by misting frequently or stand the pot on a saucer filled with gravel and a little water. Keep temperatures warmer for desert plants. Keep leaves looking their best by removing dust gently with a soft cloth or brush and then wipe with a moist cloth.
If you have too many plants, create a shelter. Place a plastic sheet on top to cover the greens (it shouldn't touch the ground - there should be space to allow air to circulate, and plants to breathe).
Adjust the watering routine:
Your plants' water requirements will reduce in winters. Winter air is drier, that is why plants experience a slower rate of growth during the cold weather. Less water is needed to keep them hydrated and overdoing it can lead to root rot. Try to water in early morning, and wash the leaves along. The soil on the surface will dry quickly, but that's not a good indicator either. On the other hand, don't wait until the leaves drop or start to dry, before giving them a drink. Check whether the soil is dry an inch or 2 below the surface and then only water. Apart from plants that keep growing, it is best to reduce watering until the spring. Let the compost dry out before adding tepid water and drain away the excess so the pot doesn’t stand in water. There is no need to feed a plant that is resting.
Protect the plant from cold winds and frost:
Take care of your plants outdoors. Cold winds can damage them too. Your plants may get burnt (their leaves actually turn brown) due to the chill. So place them in protected areas, opt for pots that you can move at will, depending on the weather. Most houseplants like an even temperature. You may choose to bring some plants indoor as the temperature drops in the nights. This way you can shelter them from frost and cold bites. Avoid putting plants on a windowsill that will become very cold at night. Knowing the original environment the plant came from will help you recreate the best conditions. Add more moisture to tropical ones by misting frequently or stand the pot on a saucer filled with gravel and a little water. Keep temperatures warmer for desert plants. Keep leaves looking their best by removing dust gently with a soft cloth or brush and then wipe with a moist cloth.
If you have too many plants, create a shelter. Place a plastic sheet on top to cover the greens (it shouldn't touch the ground - there should be space to allow air to circulate, and plants to breathe).
Apply a layer of mulch:
Mulch acts as an insulator, holding in heat and moisture in the soil. It is used to protect the root systems of your plants from cold temperatures. Sometimes the cold temperature is not what damages the plant, but rather the freeze/thaw cycle affecting the soil and causing it to "heave" the plant. Similarly, the cold soil can prevent water from easily being drawn up from the plant. Regardless of the reason, applying a layer 2–3 inches thick of mulch will help prevent these problems. Mulch made of wheat or pine straw works well, as it is easy to remove once you’re read to bare the soil again, and it traps heat well. Use dead leaves to cover the plant soil surface - it helps prevent dew/frost from seeping into the roots. You can try old newspaper instead of leaves.
Prevent pests and diseases:
Bugs and insects do not go into hibernation at this time. Check for pest and diseases while watering and observing the plants closely. Prune shrubs, hedges to avoid bacteria and virus from flourishing (this will also allow your plants to get adequate sunlight). Don’t forget to update yourself about pest and diseases of plants, preventive measures and home remedies to avoid them in our blog. Link:
If you stay in a truly cold area, or even one that experiences several hard frosts each winter then you must take account of the cold season and prepare for it on time to protect your plants well. You invest your time and energy to raise these green beauties all through the year. Definitely, you don’t want them to perish this winter. Take good care of your plant buddies.
Wishing you the very best! Happy Gardening!
Author: Vandana Chaudhary
