Autumn is the best time to take precautionary measures to guard your sensitive and tender plants against cold temperatures. Protecting your vegetation during the cold season may help to prevent foliar damage, frozen roots, and premature death.
Here are several tips you can try out to protect your garden during winter.
Water One or Two Days Before the Frost Hits
Watering your vegetation, a day or two before the frost comes is an effective way to decrease the risk of damage. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. Also, light watering during the evening time will help to increase levels of humidity and decrease frost damage. However, don’t water frozen soil because it might make conditions for the vegetation harder. Furthermore, do not water the soil around succulent plants too heavily, because they cannot withstand the moisture levels.
Opt for Raised Beds
Incorporating raised beds can also help to protect your garden plants during the colder months. Cold air usually accumulates more in sunken regions than in higher mounds. A raised bed also makes it easier to cover the plants.
The most popular method of guarding against frost damage is by using covering. Simply drape some old blankets, sheet, or burlap sacks loosely over the plants and secure with stones, bricks or stakes. Alternatively, you can buy a frost protection fleece from a local gardening store or online shop to cover you plants. Covering tender plants in the evening hours will help them retain heat and guard against freezing.
Mulch With an Organic Material
Mulching is one of the best ways to guard sensitive plants. Mulching with organic matter also enhances the soil’s content as the mulch decomposes and emits useful nutrients. In autumn months, pull back any old mulch from the plants’ base and spread a fresh three-inch layer around them. Leave a half-inch space around the stem of each plant to allow for flow of air and prevent rot.
Take Potted Plants Inside
The easiest solution is to remove your plants from the cold temperatures. Given that you have potted plants outside, bring them inside your house. Even relocating them to the garage will be beneficial, because it will increase the temperature by 5.5ºC or more. If you can, the best solution is to put your plants around the inside of your home as decorative material. They will receive the heat they require without cluttering your space.
Build a Cold Frame or Makeshift Greenhouse
You can construct a temporary cold frame by using slim metal rods. Bend the metal rods into loops and stick the ends into the earth across a garden row. After that, put some cover fabric over the loops to enclose the plants. That will trap heat and inhibit entry of frost, keeping your vegetation safe and warm in the cold months. Also ensure the plants in the cold frame get sufficient ventilation. If daylight temperatures are high enough, open up to allow for air circulation. If you don’t, it could result in overheating or excess build-up of moisture.
For more tips on how to guard your plants during the colder months, please consult Garden Club London. We design and build gardens and landscapes for residential and commercial purposes in London.