In colder regions, where freezing temperatures are the norm at the height of winter, gardeners must protect plants from both the cold and the wind using a range of techniques. Home. How to protect container plants and pots from winter frost. Olive trees in pots or containers. Small plants that tend to flatten in wind and rain, like peonies, can be covered with a 5-gallon bucket or other sturdy container. 1 ; 30 ; Plants love to grow in pots during summer, but they are exposed to the elements in winter. In spring, California lilac is covered in dense clusters of blue flowers. Outdoor container gardens typically involve annual plant species that are discarded come late fall and replaced with new plants each spring. When it is not practical to lift or move tender plants, the best way to protect them from the winter cold and wet is to wrap them up. 6. Sometimes called bells or bell jars, most fit over individual plants, but some are large enough to cover a row. Place containers in a shady spot -- under a tree or on the east side of the house for protection from the hot afternoon sun. Protective wrappings should be put in place at the first sign of frosts. Protect plants from cold and wind ; Block insects and prevent spread of disease ; Keep soil and plants from overheating ; Garden fabric is easy to use: You can drape the cover right over garden plants or use hoops or a wooden frame to support it. “But,” you say, “they look so thirsty! Secure the edges of the fabric with soil or use Earth Staples. Shrubs range in size from low ground covers to small trees. Yes No. But in pots they are vulnerable to winter frost, snow and cold winds. They’re also tolerant of frost, but give young plants protection from cold and wind while they establish. When a cold snap is forecast, drape a sheet of horticultural fleece over the top. Heat and sun exposure will cause leaf wilt, occurring because of transpiration, or when a plant releases moisture to protect itself in excessive heat. Take cover. You can’t do much to treat damaged plants. Naturally it's irritating as some branches might break, medium falls onto the floor, etc. In short, protecting plants from the sun doesn’t only mean covering the plant itself. On 25th December 2020 By . Protecting tender plants takes little effort, and often all that’s needed is a layer of horticultural fleece. You can also cover your plants with an old blanket, drop cloth, or tarp to protect them from a quick frost, but don't forget to uncover them during the day to allow ventilation! Everyone knows that plants die if winter temperatures are too frigid for them to endure. Adding a stake can provide stability against strong winds too. Don’t leave your plants hanging. Read on to learn more. This will help your olive trees recover from any wounds due to frost. Just be sure to weigh this container down with brick or a boulder to ensure that it doesn’t fly off in high wind, and remove the container immediately after the threat of severe weather has passed. The solution is to pick wind tolerant plants in the first place. Planting alternating rows of low and high plants, for instance, can shelter the shorter, more vulnerable varieties. Once again, if you live in the South, where temperatures never drop below 20°F (nothing much is needed. Even sun-loving plants can take a week of shade while you’re away. Group pots closely together so they help insulate each other and raise them on pot feet (or bricks) to let rainwater drain. Group plants. ... It’s easiest if you bought some kind of prefab container garden. Winter container gardening is tough — you have to protect plants from wind, harsh sunlight and drying out. Check the gardens in a windy town. If you are unable to move your container plants indoors or under cover, remember to also wrap the pot in burlap or bubble wrap, or simply bury the pot in the ground, in addition to protecting the foliage. Stake taller growing species in exposed situations, as too much movement can damage roots. More winter content: Tidying the garden in winter (video) Five steps to winter composting; Quick ways to prot For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to shade your garden with fencing, read on! But it gets pushed over again when the wind changes direction. Protect tender plants with water, mulch, and shelter. Even plants that can withstand temperatures down to -5°C will benefit from some protection. 2020. Potted plants can be tricky, mainly because their roots are much more exposed to the elements. Wrapping plants with burlap is a relatively simple way to protect the plants from winter frost, snow and ice. GARDENER’S TIP: Prune annually to keep compact. 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