Tips to Shelter Plants from Harsh Winters

When winter is coming every gardener understands it is time to get the plants ready for the chilly months that are on the way. Winter can be tough on your plants if you don’t take care of them. Surprise frosts and cold winds along with changing temperatures can really hurt your outdoor plants. Don't worry too much. If you plan ahead and use the right techniques you can keep your flowers vegetables and herbs safe and healthy during the tough winter.

1. Covering the ground with a layer of material to help plants grow better.

A good way to protect your plants during winter is to use mulch. Mulching keeps the soil warm and holds in moisture. It also stops weeds from growing and protects the roots of your plants from bad weather. If you are getting ready for winter you should use organic mulch such as straw compost or dry leaves.

2. Build a simple cold frame.

A cold frame is like a small greenhouse that helps keep your plants warm and protects them from bad weather. People usually use them to extend the time plants can grow and they also serve as great protection for plants that might freeze in the winter.

3. How to use plant covers and cloches

You can use plant covers and cloches to keep your plants safe from the cold weather. Covers are usually light and let air through which means they won't make your plants feel heavy or trapped. They are made to hold in heat and moisture which helps keep your plants warmer inside.

4. Put the potted plants in one spot.

If you have some potted plants putting them close to each other might help them make it through a tough winter. The plants help keep each other warm and shield one another from the cold winds.

5. Watering enough

No matter what time of year it is you need to water your plants well if you want them to stay alive. In winter it is important because water keeps the soil warm and helps control its temperature. Make sure the dirt around your plants is wet but not soaked because that might make the roots go bad.

6. Moving plants to a new spot

One way to help weak plants is to just put them in a spot that is more protected. This might be in a greenhouse or a hothouse or even inside if that works.

7. Using antitranspirants

Using an antitranspirant spray on your plants can help shield them from the drying winds of winter. They function by putting a layer on the leaves that helps keep water in and stops harm from cold weather.

To wrap things up keeping your garden safe from the tough winter weather can feel overwhelming but if you use the right methods you can help your plants survive until spring comes back. Keep in mind that each garden is unique and what works well will rely on the kinds of plants you have the way your garden is arranged and the weather in your area.