Keys for Growing Cool-Season Grasses in the Southern U.S.
Winter is approaching. Understanding how to care for your perennial plants during the colder months can help them weather the cold. Here are some key strategies to help your garden thrive through winter.
1. Mulching
One of the most effective ways to protect your plants is through mulching. Apply a layer of mulch once the ground starts to cool but before heavy frost sets in. This insulation helps regulate soil temperature and retains moisture. Be sure not to cover the crowns of perennials or "volcano mulch" around the bases of trees and shrubs, as excessive mulch can cause rot.
2. Watering
During winter, plants can suffer from dry conditions, particularly evergreens. It’s important to keep your plants adequately watered, especially when it has not rained for a while or before extreme cold spells. Watering helps mitigate the effects of desiccating winds that can pull moisture from foliage.
3. Clean-Up
Before winter sets in, clear away any old plant debris and diseased parts of your plants. This reduces the risk of pests and pathogens that can overwinter in your garden. Cleaning up not only limits disease and insects, but it also makes winter preparations more manageable as there is less plant to deal with. Also, remove any weeds around your plants. Weeds can also harbor pests that may damage your perennials and shrubs.
4. Watch the Weather
Stay vigilant about weather forecasts. Sudden extreme temperature drops can be particularly harmful, especially if plants aren’t acclimated. Be prepared with materials like blankets, cheesecloth, and row covers to cover and protect your plants from sudden cold snaps.
5. Protective Covering
When extreme weather is predicted, consider using blankets, old nursery containers, or even cardboard boxes to cover your plants. This traps ground heat. Ensure the coverings extend to the ground to prevent losing ground heat to the air. Just remember to remove covers during sunny days to prevent overheating. Additionally, placing an incandescent light bulb inside the cover can provide extra warmth, but ensure it’s safely positioned away from any flammable materials.
6. Structure for Support
For foundation plantings, create a framework using wood, PVC pipes, or other materials. This can help prevent heavy snow or ice falling from the roof from hitting and damaging your plants.
7. Fertilization
Traditionally, it was advised to avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender new growth that would be easily frozen by the first cold night. However, recent research suggests that applying a winterizing fertilizer after the first freeze, once the plant is dormant, can be beneficial. This allows plants to absorb and store nutrients in their roots, which they can use in the spring.
Related Videos:
Digging Up Flowers to Keep Over the Winter
chip Laurel Winter Damage
Severe Winter Plant Damage and What to Do About It
Related Resources:
How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze
Eight tips to gear up the garden for cold weather
1. Mulching
One of the most effective ways to protect your plants is through mulching. Apply a layer of mulch once the ground starts to cool but before heavy frost sets in. This insulation helps regulate soil temperature and retains moisture. Be sure not to cover the crowns of perennials or "volcano mulch" around the bases of trees and shrubs, as excessive mulch can cause rot.
2. Watering
During winter, plants can suffer from dry conditions, particularly evergreens. It’s important to keep your plants adequately watered, especially when it has not rained for a while or before extreme cold spells. Watering helps mitigate the effects of desiccating winds that can pull moisture from foliage.
3. Clean-Up
Before winter sets in, clear away any old plant debris and diseased parts of your plants. This reduces the risk of pests and pathogens that can overwinter in your garden. Cleaning up not only limits disease and insects, but it also makes winter preparations more manageable as there is less plant to deal with. Also, remove any weeds around your plants. Weeds can also harbor pests that may damage your perennials and shrubs.
4. Watch the Weather
Stay vigilant about weather forecasts. Sudden extreme temperature drops can be particularly harmful, especially if plants aren’t acclimated. Be prepared with materials like blankets, cheesecloth, and row covers to cover and protect your plants from sudden cold snaps.
5. Protective Covering
When extreme weather is predicted, consider using blankets, old nursery containers, or even cardboard boxes to cover your plants. This traps ground heat. Ensure the coverings extend to the ground to prevent losing ground heat to the air. Just remember to remove covers during sunny days to prevent overheating. Additionally, placing an incandescent light bulb inside the cover can provide extra warmth, but ensure it’s safely positioned away from any flammable materials.
6. Structure for Support
For foundation plantings, create a framework using wood, PVC pipes, or other materials. This can help prevent heavy snow or ice falling from the roof from hitting and damaging your plants.
7. Fertilization
Traditionally, it was advised to avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender new growth that would be easily frozen by the first cold night. However, recent research suggests that applying a winterizing fertilizer after the first freeze, once the plant is dormant, can be beneficial. This allows plants to absorb and store nutrients in their roots, which they can use in the spring.
Related Videos:
Digging Up Flowers to Keep Over the Winter
chip Laurel Winter Damage
Severe Winter Plant Damage and What to Do About It
Related Resources:
How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze
Eight tips to gear up the garden for cold weather