You don’t want to lose the plants you’ve nurtured all summer, but maybe you aren’t sure how to protect them in an eco-friendly manner. Here are some ideas and tips to keep your plants safe through the winter.
* Containers
Plants growing in containers are especially susceptible to frost due to their roots being above the frost line. (In other words, their roots do not enjoy the insulating effects of being underground.) Some ways you can protect container plants are:
1. Move them against the house
Your house emits a bit of heat around its edges. Line your container plants up against your house and rake leaves over them for insulation. There’s no need to protect them from snow; snow is actually a great insulator. If your area is prone to ice storms, though, you may want to consider more extensive protection.
2. Plants on wheels
You can put your potted plants into wagons, wheelbarrows, or other containers or platforms with wheels. You can wheel them in or out of your garden shed or garage as weather dictates. That way, they get some sun and rain on milder days but protection when it’s really cold.
3. Build or buy a cold frame
A cold frame is a simple shelter made from various materials such as wood, straw bales, glass, and/or plastic sheeting. If you are wanting to keep it green and eco-friendly, re-use scraps of clear plastic (such as clear plastic bags used for leaves or lawn clippings), or old windows. A simple, quick, and affordable method is to pile straw bales into an open square and cover the top with an old window or plastic sheeting. Depending on your climate, you may be able to get away with no cover at all; the straw bales themselves may provide enough insulation. There is an added bonus to the cold frame: you can use it to get an early start on your seeds in the spring.
* Open ground
1. Mulch
To protect garden plants that are planted in open ground, you will need to apply a heavy layer of mulch. You can also simply rake a thick layer of autumn leaves over your garden for the winter, and in spring, dig the rotting plant material into the soil.
2. Pitch a tent
You don’t have to pitch an actual tent over your garden; but the principle is the same. Section your garden off if it is big, construct simple “tents” or shelters from wood scraps, leftover pipe (such as PVC), or even straight branches. Make a square or triangular frame that fits over your garden bed, and cover with plastic sheeting. Again, try to use leftovers or recyclables, such as the clear plastic bags noted above.
Hopefully, your plants will not only survive the winter but be healthier because of your efforts.
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