How To Protect Outdoor Plants During Winter

Winter can be a harsh time for outdoor plants, with cold temperatures, wind, and snow all taking their toll. If you want your plants to survive the winter and come back strong in the spring, it's important to take steps to protect them.

1. Choose the Right Plants

The first step to protecting outdoor plants during winter is to choose plants that are hardy enough to withstand the cold temperatures. Look for plants that are native to your area or that are specifically labeled as "cold-hardy." These plants are more likely to survive the winter without being damaged.

2. Plant in the Right Location

When planting outdoor plants, choose a location that will provide them with some protection from the cold. Avoid planting in areas that are exposed to strong winds or that receive a lot of sun. Instead, plant in areas that are sheltered from the wind and that receive some shade during the day.

3. Mulch

Mulching is one of the best ways to protect outdoor plants during winter. Mulch insulates the soil and helps to keep the roots warm. It also helps to suppress weeds and prevent the soil from drying out.

4. Water

Even though it's winter, outdoor plants still need to be watered. However, it's important to water them less frequently than you do during the summer. Water the plants deeply once a week or so, or more frequently if the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid watering the plants in the evening, as this can cause the water to freeze on the leaves and damage them.

5. Provide Shelter

In areas with very cold winters, it may be necessary to provide additional shelter for outdoor plants. This can be done by building a cold frame or by covering the plants with a frost blanket. Cold frames are structures that are made of glass or plastic and that are placed over plants to protect them from the cold. Frost blankets are made of a lightweight material that is placed over plants to protect them from frost.