Top tips for winterizing your garden plants effectively

Winter is an exceptionally challenging period for garden plants. Low temperatures, frosty winds, and lack of moisture mean that many plants are unable to survive until spring. Frost can damage roots and shoots, which in turn leads to plant death. Additionally, in winter, plants are less resistant to diseases and pests.

Protection against winter pests is as important as protection from frost. Some insects, such as aphids, can survive in the form of eggs in the soil or on plants, ready to attack in spring. Proper protection of plants for the winter helps reduce the risk of pest infestations and the development of fungal diseases, which can be difficult to manage later.

While many people protect their plants right after the end of the season, it is advisable to delay this until the first frosts. Wrapping plants too early can have negative effects. Cold temperatures help plants harden off and prepare for winter.

The basic materials needed for plant protection are garden fleece, straw, bark, sawdust, and protective films. Garden fleece is particularly recommended for protecting shoots and leaves because it allows air to flow and prevents sunscald. Bark and sawdust are ideal for mounding around the base of plants, protecting roots from freezing.

When protecting plants, it's advisable to start by mounding the base of the plant. For example, hydrangeas or roses can be safeguarded by piling bark or sawdust around them, protecting their roots from low temperatures. Then, proceed to wrap the plants with garden fleece, remembering not to wrap them too tightly. It's important that the material fits snugly to the plant but still allows air to flow.

How to avoid common mistakes when protecting plants?

One of the most common mistakes made by gardeners is protecting plants for winter too early or too late. Wrapping plants too early can lead to overheating and incomplete hardening, which increases the risk of freezing. The best time to secure plants is just after the first frost when plant diseases are less active and plants have undergone the hardening process.

On the other hand, protecting plants too late exposes them to the first severe frosts, which can damage roots and shoots. Therefore, it is important to monitor the weather forecasts and secure the plants at the right time.

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong protective materials. Not all materials are suitable for protecting plants. For instance, plastic film can cause plants to scorch and rot due to a lack of air circulation. Using breathable materials such as garden fleece, straw, bark, or sawdust is recommended, which effectively protect against frost without blocking airflow.

Let's remember that each plant has its own specific requirements, so it's worthwhile to adapt protection methods to specific species. This way, our plants will be healthy and bloom abundantly in the next season.