Protecting Your Garden During the Winter

By John Ehrling Posted on 1/6/23

Protecting your garden during the winter months is important because extreme cold temperatures and frost can damage or kill plants that are not properly prepared for the winter. In addition, dry, cold winter winds can cause moisture to evaporate from the soil and leaves, leaving plants vulnerable to dehydration. By taking steps to protect your garden during the winter, you can help to ensure that your plants survive the cold weather and are healthy and vigorous when spring arrives. There are many ways to protect your garden during the winter, such as using mulch, watering your plants regularly, and covering tender plants with row covers or blankets. By following these and other best practices, you can help to keep your garden healthy and thriving throughout the winter season.

 

Winter Mulching

 

Mulching is one of the first lines of defense when it comes to protecting your garden during the winter months. Mulch can help to insulate your plants and protect them from extreme cold temperatures. Spread a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help keep the soil warm and moist.

 

Garlic with leaves mulch

There are many types of mulch that can be used in a garden, and the best choice for your garden will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some common types of mulch and their characteristics:

 

  1. Wood chips or bark: Wood chips or bark mulch can be made from a variety of sources, such as pine, cedar, or hardwood trees. These types of mulch are long-lasting and provide good insulation for the soil.
  2. Leaves: Leaf compost is a type of organic mulch that is made from fallen leaves. It can be added to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Plus, the leaves will eventually decay and enrich the soil below. Be careful to not over mulch with leaves as it can lead to mold growth because of the abundance of moisture.
  3. Straw: Straw is a lightweight mulch that is made from dried grasses. It is a good choice for protecting plants from extreme cold temperatures and can also help to suppress weeds.
  4. Grass clippings: Grass clippings can be used as a mulch in small quantities. They will decompose quickly and add nutrients to the soil.
  5. Pine needles: Pine needles are a type of mulch that can be used in gardens with acid-loving plants. They are long-lasting and provide good insulation for the soil.
  6. Stones or gravel: Stones or gravel can be used as a decorative mulch in areas where plants are not growing. They do not provide any insulation for the soil but can help to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

 

Plant Frost Protection

 

The most important part of protecting your garden during the winter months is frost protection. Plant frost, also known as black frost or hard frost, refers to a type of frost that occurs when the temperature falls below freezing and the moisture in the air forms ice crystals on plants and other surfaces. Plant frost can be particularly damaging to plants because the ice crystals can rupture plant cells, causing tissue damage. In severe cases, plant frost can kill plants outright. Some plants are more resistant to frost than others, but all plants are vulnerable to frost damage if they are not properly protected. To protect your plants from frost, you can use mulch, row covers, or other protective measures to insulate them and keep them from freezing. It’s also important to pay attention to the weather forecast and take steps to protect your plants if frost is expected in your area.

 

  1. Use row covers or blankets: Row covers, or blankets can be placed over your plants to help insulate them and protect them from frost. Make sure to anchor the covers securely to prevent them from blowing off in the wind. The covers prevent the moist air overnight from clinging to your plants then freezing and killing your plants cells.
Source: Scot Nelson
  1. Use a frost cloth or plastic sheeting: Similar to row covers or blankets, a frost cloth or plastic sheeting can be placed over your plants to create a physical barrier that will help to keep frost at bay. Make sure to anchor the cloth or sheeting securely to prevent it from blowing away.

 

  1. Move potted plants indoors: If you have potted plants that are sensitive to frost, you can move them indoors or to a protected area when frost is expected.

 

  1. Protect tender plants: If you have tender plants that are not winter hardy in your area, you may need to take steps to protect them during the winter. You can wrap the plants in burlap or place them in pots and move them to a protected area, such as a garage or basement.
Source: Dwight Sipler

Other Winter Gardening Tips

 

Watering

 

Watering your plants regularly during the winter months is important for maintaining healthy plants. Dry, cold winter winds can cause moisture to evaporate from the soil and leaves, leaving plants vulnerable to dehydration. To help prevent dehydration, make sure to water your plants regularly, especially if you have a dry winter climate. Be careful not to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. It’s also a good idea to water your plants deeply, rather than just giving them a light sprinkle, as this will help to keep the moisture in the soil where it is needed.

 

Fertilizing

 

Fertilizing your plants during the winter months can help to keep them healthy and vigorous. Avoid fertilizing plants that are dormant or semidormant, as this can encourage new growth that will not have time to harden off before the winter weather sets in. It’s also a good idea to avoid over-fertilizing your plants, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth that is more vulnerable to frost damage.

 

Pruning

 

Pruning is another important step in protecting your garden during the winter months. Pruning helps to remove damaged or diseased plant material, which can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. It’s also a good way to remove excess growth that can be damaged by frost or heavy snow. When pruning your plants, be sure to use clean, sharp tools and make clean, smooth cuts to minimize the risk of infection.

Source: Mark Levisay

If you have any questions about protecting your gardening during the winter, visit our gardening community. At the Garden Savvy Community you can ask questions, assist other gardeners, post photos and videos, and participate in live discussions about gardening. Join the community today!

Cover photo: Peter Hickson