When you make purchases through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
As cold weather approaches, some outdoor plants need extra winter protection – here’s how to use it
Cold weather is approaching, which means you need to take some steps now to ensure your backyard has healthy blooms this spring. Protecting your outdoor plants from frost is critical for them to survive cold temperatures, but the question is how to do it?
Some plants can be moved indoors for the winter, but not all plants are suitable for living indoors. Of course, you won’t be able to bring more permanent garden plants into your home unless they are houseplants. Luckily, there are many ways to give your plants extra frost protection. To prepare your modern garden for the cold weather, we spoke to some professional gardeners about the five best materials to use. Follow their guidelines to find the type that suits you and your outdoor space.
Garden wool is a very fine non-woven material used to protect against the cold (and insects) and is the first material recommended by experts. “This lightweight, breathable fabric allows sunlight, air and moisture to reach plants while providing protection from the cold,” explains Tony O’Neill, editor of Simplify Gardening.
Green Pall expert Gene Caballero agrees, adding that wool blankets are breathable and insulating, allowing moisture to escape while retaining warmth, making them ideal for winter. Juan Palacio, a plant expert at Bloomsy Box, noted that another advantage of the fabric is that although it covers plants, it does not inhibit their growth. However, do not cover winter flowering plants.
“Burlap, made from jute, is an eco-friendly option that repels wind and frost while preventing dryness from cold winds,” explains Tony. This woven fabric is made from plant fibers and is perfect for helping your yard survive the winter. “It’s durable and provides good insulation, but is also strong enough to withstand high winds,” added Jin.
One way to use burlap to protect your plants is to simply wrap it around them (not too tightly) or use burlap that you cover the plants with. You can also make a screen out of burlap and nail it to stakes attached to the ground to provide protection from the cold.
Mulch has long been a favorite material among gardening professionals because it can be used in so many different ways. “Mulch can be made from organic materials such as straw, leaves or wood chips,” Huang explains. “It acts as an insulator, keeping the soil and roots warm,” adds Zahid Adnan, gardening expert and founder of The Plant Bible. “A thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant insulates the roots and keeps the soil temperature more stable,” he says.
Plants grown in soil inside a garden border naturally tolerate the cold better than plants grown in containers, which are more likely to fall into the category of plants brought indoors in the winter. This happens because the soil protects the roots from freezing. In very cold conditions, mulching the base of plants can add an extra layer of protection.
Cloches are individual protective covers made of glass, plastic or fabric that can be placed on individual plants. “They create a mini-greenhouse effect and provide excellent protection,” Zahid said. Jean agrees, adding that these bells are ideal for individual plants. “They effectively absorb heat and protect against frost,” he adds.
Although they are most often used in vegetable gardens, they can also be used on plants. You will find them in a dome or bell shape, most are made of plastic, but you can also find some made of glass. Either option is equally valid.
Plastic sheeting is probably the easiest and most affordable solution for most of us, but it should be used with caution in the backyard. While it’s an excellent choice for creating frost-resistant microclimates with varying degrees of insulation, breathability and ease of use, “clear plastic film can retain heat, but it should be used with caution because it can also trap moisture, which can freeze,” Jean explained. “Remember to remove the lid during the day to let in sunlight and prevent overheating,” he says.
When we start to feel the first frost, it is very important to protect your plants if you want them to survive until spring. Try one of these solutions to keep your backyard fun this winter, and your flowers and shrubs will thank you when the weather warms up.
Mulch is an excellent all-purpose gardening material that protects plants when added to their base.
Although plastic wrap is usually used, be sure to remove the lid during the day to prevent overheating.
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to current and future home design. Subscribe now and receive a free, stunning 200-page book about the best homes around the world.
Raluca is a digital news writer for Livingetc.com with a passion for interiors and good living. With a background in writing and designing for fashion magazines such as Marie Claire, Raluca’s love for design began at a young age when her family’s favorite weekend pastime was moving furniture around the house “just for fun.” In her free time, she is happiest in a creative environment and enjoys designing thoughtful spaces and color consultations. She finds her best inspiration in art, nature and lifestyle and believes that homes should serve our mental and emotional well-being as well as our lifestyle.
From custom designs to space-saving wonders, these 12 best Amazon sofas will end your sofa search.
Livingetc is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate website. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. Company registration number in England and Wales is 2008885.
Post time: Nov-29-2023