The temperatures are dropping. You know your potted plants won’t survive the harsh season without extra care, but you’re not sure how to winterize plants to nurture them through the season. It’s easier than you might think. Use the following tips to keep your plants healthy and strong through the winter so you can keep enjoying them all year long.
To keep plants outdoors
If you want (or need) to keep your plants outdoors during the winter, use the following tips to keep them sheltered from the cold:
- Cluster plants: When people huddle together near shelter, it helps them stay warm. The same principle applies for plants. If you have several potted plants, cluster them in a sheltered area. Look for a shady spot, against the house if possible. The goal is to find a place where the temperature will remain steady rather than change drastically from day to day or overnight.
- Cover plants: To protect plants in winter, cover them with an insulating material. A tarp is a good option. This will help moderate the temperature around the plants and help them survive the winter.
- Capture plants: Use metal hardware cloth or chicken wire to capture plants inside a silo. Fill the silo with straw or leaves. This will protect the plants from the harsh winter winds by insulating the plants.
To move plants indoors
Some perennials are better off indoors for the winter. If you decide to move your pots indoors to protect plants in winter, use the following tips:
- Keep dormant plants outside: Some perennials require a dormancy period. If they normally experience a “winter die-back,” they should remain outside and continue their natural cycle to prepare them for a productive spring bloom.
- Keep things sunny: Winter months offer less daylight, so providing enough sunlight can be a challenge for indoor plants. Choose the sunniest spot you can find indoors if you want to place them inside to protect plants in winter.
- Keep them moist: If your home’s interior is fairly dry (like many homes in the wintertime), consider investing in a humidifier. Plants will do much better in more humid conditions. If a whole-house humidifier is not a feasible option, keep all plants in one area and use a room-size humidifier to create your indoor greenhouse.
Partner with plant professionals
Before you choose perennials for your property, consult with the professionals at your local nursery. These experts can advise you on which plants will survive best in your setting and how you can take steps to protect plants in winter. A quick consultation could save you from a lot of hassle and heartache down the line.
Get more tips
At Jones Nursery, we know how to help your plants survive the winter. Offering a variety of quality plants that thrive in our unique climate, we can help you select the perfect potted plants for your property. Stop by today to check out our full range of perennials, flowers, trees and shrubs, or reach our experts with any questions at 856-629-7160.