Winter sneaks up on us fast. Don’t let your plants suffer. Keep reading to learn about how to make a shelter for plants. It’s easy!
Shelter For Plants
Holy crap, when did it become September? I’m astounded, grateful, and amazed that I’ve made it to another Fall, and soon, another Winter! My garden, however isn’t super stoked about the cold incoming months. I plan on keeping up my grow throughout the winter months, and I’ll definitely need a few tips and tricks to keep my plants sheltered from winter storms. Here are a few of my favorite ways:
Before learning how to “shelter” your plants, you must know when to shelter them! Generally, freezes occur when temperatures reach below 32 degrees (F). Gardeners should be wary of covering up their plants “too early” because sudden increases in temperature could harm your plants “freezing” and “blooming” cycles. Keep an eye on the weather before deciding to shelter and cover plants.
Although you might be tempted to cover your plants in a plastic covering, instead, one should cover vulnerable plants with more of a “breathable” fabric. Burlap, or old newspaper work great! Plastic coverings should be avoided because they’re known to “trap” moisture inside the coverings.
Shelter For Plants- Frost
If you are worried about keeping your shrubs safe from a late (or early!) frost! One can simply cover the plant in a towel. Of course, blankets also do the trick! We are expecting a chilly weekend here soon, and I already have my blankets ready!
Make sure that you always water your shrubs heartily before covering them up for the winter. This might very well be their last drink until the spring! If you are especially worried, cover your plant’s roots with a covering of mulch to last until spring.
Are you worried about your trees? I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t worry about what an early frost could do to my newly planted trees! Instead of worrying about it, create a burlap “tent.” Cut a length of burlap that will be long enough to wrap around the plant multiple times, but make sure that it is wrapped relatively loose. Keep the whole thing sturdy with a few tomato stakes if you’re worried about snow build up cracking the trunk of the tree.
If you have perennials that need a bit of protection, you’ll find that the shelter is easily met with a hardy covering. Create “mini greenhouses” that act as a windbreaker against harsh winter winds, snow storms, and other weather events. Keep the top open for ventillation and for a mid-winter drink. I like to cut off the bottoms of milk cartons and stick those around my small perennial plants. It’s always worked terrifically!
When the winter months are approaching, learn how to prep your succulents.
I have a huge pot with a vining plant that cannot be moved .. How can I keep this a
I’ve during the winter ?
Linda, I would create a “teepee” of sorts and over any exposed vine with burlap or plastic bags.