It may have arrived late, but winter has come. Whether it is a mild winter or a sub-zero winter, there is no reason for your plants to die. Some plants need the dormancy of winter and cold temperatures to stay healthy and grow back strong in the Spring. As a gardener, there are many things you can do to help encourage healthy growth, no matter how warm or cold the winter is.
While some plants are made to thrive under the snow (such as tulips, hyacinth, narcissus, or iris that you planted in the fall), others require a bit more care
Most people who live in zones 2 – 6 (or even 7) have to consider how they will keep their plants alive during the winter months (see image below for your zone). It may sound surprising, but you don’t have to build a greenhouse to be a year-round gardener!
To protect your blooms during chilly and icy weather, follow these tips.
Tips for Keeping Your Plants Alive in the Winter
Avoid ‘Over-Warming’
It might seem like the right thing to keep your plants extra warm during the frigid winter temperatures, but be careful. Just as cold can kill your plants, too much in the opposite direction can also spell disaster. The best temperature zone is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water Less and With Warm Water
Even inside your home, plants will naturally go into a “dormant” stage. While you may not notice on the outside, plants slow their growing cycle. This means they will require less water. A good rule of thumb is to continue watering once per week but cut down on the amount by 25% in the winter months. You can also switch to ‘slightly’ lukewarm water to encourage winter growth. If you notice your plant starting to ‘yellow’ or the soil becoming moldy, reduce the amount you water.
Let There Be Light
Just like humans, plants thrive on sunlight. Plants require sunlight for survival. While sunshine might be in short supply during the winter, make sure to place your plants in an optimal sun area. Whether a dedicated sunroom or a bright spot on your kitchen’s windowsill, the sun will help keep your plants healthy all season.
Mulch for Insulation
Mulching is a simple yet effective way to protect outdoor plants. Adding a layer of mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) around the base of plants helps insulate roots, maintain soil temperature, and reduce water loss. This is especially useful for perennial plants.
Up the Humidity
It isn’t just good for humans – plants need humid environments to thrive. Winter heating often dries out indoor air, which can stress plants that thrive in higher humidity. Place a tray with water and pebbles near plants or use a humidifier to increase moisture levels.
Clean and Prune
Winter is a great time to prune dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth in spring. Additionally, remove debris and dead leaves to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold during the colder months.
Plants That Require Extra Protection
For sensitive plants that require a bit more protection, you can do some things to help them survive.
- Line Clay Pots. Creating an extra air pocket between pots and your plants can go a long way in protecting them from the harsh weather. Try lining your pot with bubble wrap to protect the roots. This is actually a good tip for any time of year. During the spring, the bubble wrap can prevent precious moisture from evaporating away from your plant.
- Use Fleece for Extra Protection. If you have particularly sensitive potted plants, wrap them in fleece and move them away from the threat of harsh winter winds. An area, such as a shed, is a good place to store them. You can remove the fleece when the weather starts to warm up. Of course, you should bring any potted plants inside that require a frost-free minimum winter temperature.
In the following list, you’ll find some common household plants that require winter protection:
- Aloe
- Begonia
- Cactus
- Chinese Fan Palm
- Fuchsia
- Geranium
- Oleander
- Winter Jasmine
Custom Winter Care for Plants
While the list above is not complete, it is essential to research your specific plants to know whether they require minimal winter protection or the added protection mentioned above. Of course, it is never too early to start planning your Spring garden – so be sure to contact us for any landscape design quotes today.
