How to protect your landscape plants in winter.
November 11, 2013 | By webadmin
The past few days of chilly weather is a big reminder that winter is right around the corner. As we snuggle up in our warm sweaters, coats and scarves, let’s not forget that our plants need protection from the cold as well.
Right now, as the weather progressively cools, is a great time to put down mulch in our garden beds and around the base of trees. Mulch is perfect for keeping roots warm as the temperatures decline. We’ve written about our love of mulch in the past here.
So, which plants would benefit from the protection of frost cloth and which don’t once freezing temperatures arrive?
- Newly planted edibles
- Tender perennials
- Vegetables gardens
- Seasonal color, especially those planted in containers
- Specialty shrubs coming into flower bud, such as Camellias, should be covered so you don’t lose the flowers.
- No need to cover: Large established trees, hardy shrubs such as yucca, roses and Texas sage; as well as hardy perennials like rosemary, salvia, rudbeckia and others are all fine without any protection.
What can you use to protect your plants?
We highly recommend investing in frost cloth from your local nursery or landscaping company. Frost cloth is designed to keep air around the plants warm without moisture build-up. Light sheets and blankets can also be used in a pinch, but airflow with these types of fabric is not as effective. Never use plastic! Properly apply frost cloth by holding down edges with bricks, stones, or our favorite, garden staples. Don’t tie frost cloth around the base of the plant; take it all the way down to the ground around the plant you need to protect.
Continue watering properly through winter. Watering prior to a freeze is always a good practice. Moist soil retains more warmth than dry soil. And, as always, healthy, well-kept landscapes will be less susceptible to the perils of cold weather.
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