Stowing away your precious plants from the harsh winter till the sun shines again is a tricky task. Some plants require additional help to tide over time, while it might not be that difficult for others. But as a gardener, you must know these handy little tips that can save your grasses from dying when the seasons are too hard to bear!
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How To Store The Plants In Winters!
As the temperature falls too low, below the freezing point of water, the water inside the plants begins to freeze. The ice formed can lead to injuries on the plant tissues. Furthermore, the resulting thawing as the temperature rises also renders the plant unable to rejuvenate immediately. Hence, the main aim of the gardener should be to prevent the plant from going into cold shock.
Cloches
It is a dome-shaped structure that covers the plants individually. It can be made of any materials ranging from traditional glasses to modest plastics. They work similar to the greenhouses, with the idea being applied to each plant individually. The closed atmosphere protects the plant from the cold winters. The structure also doubles as protective gear against pests during the summers.
Hotkaps
Are wax paper clothes. These paper cloches serve the same purpose. They can also be used for the seedling to germinate during challenging weather. The caps protect from the climate while the slit on the top helps the plant to grow. Additionally, these can be used as compost after they are no longer in need.
Row Covers
Work similar to the cloches, except that it can cover a far larger area (and hence the plants). The material comprises a breathable cover that protects the plant against the frost without limiting the little sunlight that falls on it. These are especially fruitful in agriculture fields where the plants are planted in rows.
Cold Frames
Work like greenhouses. With glass roofs covering the top of the walled structures, the plants are protected against frost. Cold frames are easy to construct and cheap (as they are not gigantic). Just keep little details in mind, as the slope and ventilation of the structure so that the plants can remain as dry as possible.
The Greenhouse
Is the ultimate way to protect your precious little ones. Greenhouses trap heat, thereby maintaining a higher temperature than outside. However, it won’t have magical effects when the temperature falls too low. Hence if you have too vulnerable to frost, creating microhabitats within the greenhouse or additional insulation using plastic might work. If this does not work, external heating may help get the added benefits.
Getting the insulating benefits of soil is another hack that a gardener should be aware of. The soil can provide enough protection to the plant as long as you know where to put them. The first step is to identify the frost pockets in your garden. The key is to avoid them as they allow cool air to settle down, dropping the temperature far too low. The soil in itself holds some heat. Therefore, plant the plants more profound in the ground. You can add to this heating effect by growing hardy plants nearby, creating a layer of flora that will cover the vulnerable plants. Insulate the soil further using mulch and hay.
Moving Them Indoors
It might work for your potted plants. If your plants are not hardy enough to withstand your region’s weather, it is better to move them beforehand. Use the beginning of winter as a cue and move the plants to a warmer location inside the house. You’ll surely want to check for pests before moving them in. Additionally, make sure the plants are exposed to a little bit of sunshine (if any) that may come. Cover the pots using bubble wrap to give added insulation. Water wisely as you don’t want to freeze them up.
Learning About
How the plants work will save you a lot of effort. Perennials have a dormant stage that will help them tide overwinters. Tropical tuberous plants grow tubers/ bulbs in unfavorable conditions, which can It propagate once the sun shines again. Hence, knowing how and when questions for your plant will help you care for your plants and prepare accordingly better.
Conclusion
While caring for the plants in the frosty climate, it is important to look at other factors. Overwatering tends to be a grave mistake that most gardeners make. Overwatering coupled with the cold climate increases the chances of killing the plants by freezing. Special care should be given to potted plants as they are more vulnerable than plants in the garden.
