How to Protect Plants in the Winter

Tips for Protecting Plants from Frost and Freezing Weather

Aug 27, 2009

Protecting plants during the winter is vital to insure healthy plants next Spring. Frosts, freezing temperatures and rain can injure plants if they are not protected.

During winter months frosts, high winds, freezing rain and low temperatures can spell disaster for most plants, young trees and shrubs. Winter protection for plants is very important to maintain a healthy landscape for the following Spring.

There are many ways to protect plants during the winter. One of the most important parts factors is to protect the plants prior to the first frost. The first frost is usually a hard frost and can create enough damage that the plants will not survive or be seriously injured.

Different methods offer different amounts of protection from the frost. The amount of protection needed depends on the plant.

Greenhouses Provide Excellent Winter Protection for Plants

Greenhouses provide a great source of winter protection forplants. They hold in heat while blocking freezing temperatures, frosts, high winds and freezing rain.

Cheap greenhouses can be constructed using PVC pipes and visqueen. They can be easily constructed and allow for multiple seasons of use. Depending on the region and the temperatures some heating may be required.

For ideas on on heating greenhouses during the winter read "Cheap Ways to Heat Greenhouses During the Winter"

Individual Mini Greenhouses are Easy to Build and Provide Great Protection

Mini greenhouses are great for protecting plants and trees that can be moved to a safer location. Mini greenhouses protect plants from all winter elements and help to hold in heat. They can be constructed using PVC, old lumber or metal posts.

Simply create a frame around the plant and cover with visqueen, tarps or thick plastic materials and secure using staples, tacks or by tying securely. Burlap and thick clothes will work also but may not provide as much protection.

During warm days the mini greenhouses may need to be removed to allow the plant fresh air and to avoid over heating.

Wrapping Plants in Cloth Will Also Help Protect Them During the Winter

Using old blankets, burlap sacks, sheets, towels or other thick fabric will help to protect tender plants from frosts and high winds. The only down fall is if they get wet, and freeze they may act as a sheet of ice and cause some damage to the parts of the plant they are touching.

Mulching

Mulching is one of the easiest way to protect tender plants, trees and shrubs. Providing a very thick layer of mulch (3-6 inches) will protect the roots and base of the plant. Besure not to put it directly up to the base. This could cause the plant to rot. Also, be sure to apply insecticides. Mulch protects plants from Winter elements but it also makes a great home for insects which can feed on the plant.

Outside Buildings Can Provide a Great Amount of Winter Protection for Plants

Not all plants can be brought inside during the Winter. However, sheds, carports, pump houses, lean-to’s, covered porches and screened porches all create a great deal of protection for plants during the winter months.

The plants may still be exposed to cold weather but they will be protected from frosts and freezing rains which are primarily the main cause for winter plant injuries. They are also a good option because some plants still need the cool temperatures to go dormant so that they can ‘rest’ before the next growing season.

The copyright of the article How to Protect Plants in the Winter in Plants & Bulbs is owned by Stephanie Manning. Permission to republish How to Protect Plants in the Winter in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.