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Do you have potted plants outdoors and live in areas where the temperature may drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0°C)? If so, those plants will need extra winter protection to survive the freezing temperatures and desiccating winds. Its important to take steps to help overwinter plants, particularly those you are keeping in containers. Follow this guide to make sure you have all the essentials covered in the run-up to the seasons cold snaps…
Protecting Potted Plants in Winter with Covers
As winter approaches gardeners need to take steps to protect potted plants that will remain outdoors. Potted plants are more vulnerable to winter damage than plants in the ground since their roots are more exposed. The good news is there are many options for pot covers that insulate plant roots and protect pots from cracking. With the right covers potted plants can thrive through frigid winter temperatures.
Why Potted Plants Need Winter Protection
Potted plants are prone to more extreme temperature changes than in-ground plants. Their roots are surrounded by a relatively small amount of soil and have less insulation from freezing and thawing cycles. Potted plants also lose moisture faster since they have more surface area exposed to drying winds. These factors make it crucial to provide extra protection.
Another issue is the material of the pots themselves. Unglazed clay or plastic pots will crack if water inside them freezes and expands. Insulating covers prevent freeze/thaw cycles and the resulting pot damage.
Types of Covers for Outdoor Potted Plants
Burlap
Jute burlap is an eco-friendly choice for wrapping pots. It breathes well while providing insulation from cold. Burlap is also affordable and easy to wrap around pots. One potential downside is that burlap can absorb moisture which can lead to rotting. Fasten burlap wraps with twine or staples.
Bubble Wrap
For lightweight insulation, bubble wrap is ideal for potted plants. The air pockets provide excellent protection from freezing temperatures. Stretch the bubble wrap around pots and fasten it securely with tape. Opt for thicker bubble wrap for extra insulation.
Garden Fleece
This spun polyester material traps air and retains heat effectively. Fleece is also lightweight and inexpensive. For the best protection, wrap fleece snugly around pots and secure the bottom with weights.
Foam Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation like Tubolit or Pool Noodle material works well for insulating pots. Slit the pipe insulation lengthwise and wrap it around pots. Use tape to hold it in place. The slit allows you to easily remove the insulation when watering plants.
Straw or Leaves
Dry straw from grasses or fallen leaves make a natural mulch for potted plants. Mound the straw or leaves around the pots to insulate roots. Be sure the mulch doesn’t block drainage holes.
Insulated Pot Covers
For large pots, consider buying commercial insulated covers. These waterproof covers fit neatly over pots and have foam linings for added warmth. They allow air and light to reach plants while protecting from cold and moisture.
Plastic Sheeting
Heavy duty plastic sheeting or tarps can be fashioned into protective covers. Wrap the pots with plastic and secure the bottoms with bricks or other weights. Make sure condensation and rainwater can drain out the bottom.
Cold Frames
For maximum winter protection, situate potted plants inside an unheated cold frame. The cold frame acts as a greenhouse to shield plants from icy winds and low temperatures. Ventilate the cold frame on sunny days to prevent overheating.
Caring for Potted Plants Under Winter Covers
Check plants under covers periodically for moisture needs. Water whenever the soil gets dry within an inch of the surface. Also check for mildew and rot from excess moisture. Wider plant spacing improves airflow and reduces moisture issues.
On sunny days above 40°F, remove or vent covers to allow light and air circulation. Monitor temperatures and re-cover plants in the evening before it gets cold. With proper care and insulation, potted plants can survive and thrive through harsh winter weather. The right protective covers are key to their success.
Why Wrap Your Potted Plants in Winter?
Plants in the ground benefit from the insulating effects of the soil. But containers do not offer the same protection. They are above ground with only a thin layer of potting soil and container wall to protect them from the elements. Hence why it is so important to make sure you overwinter container plants the right way. Hardy plants that will stay outside in containers should be rated two hardiness zones lower than normal. In other words, if a plant is usually hardy to zone 5, it will only be hardy to zone 7 in a container.
There are several options available for wrapping plants for winter, depending on the supplies you have on hand, what structures can be used, and how severe the winters. You may want to purchase supplies that you can use every year such as burlap, stakes, chicken wire, and zip ties. Then store them in summer for quick use when winter approaches.
Plant Covers Freeze Protection Flower Pot Covers for Winter #growbag #homegarden
FAQ
Should I cover potted plants in winter?
Covering the pots in insulation can mitigate the extremes and allow the roots to remain at the temperature of the frozen ground.Oct 11, 2023
What is the best cover for plants in cold weather?
Cover Plants – Protect plants from all but the hardest freeze (28°F for five hours) by covering them with sheets, towels, blankets, cardboard or a tarp.
What to cover pots with for winter?
Bubble Wrap — Wrapping the pots in old blankets, towels, building insulation, or bubble wrap will help keep the roots warmer in the soil.
Will plastic garbage bags protect plants from frost?
Trash bags help a lot in case of short (lasting hours, not days) frosts. A single trash bag gives up to +8… +10°F protection compared to the Low. Double bags are ca 50% more effective. In case of longer frosts (couple of days) the effect is +4… +5°F for a single bag and +6… 7°F for double bags.