The snow covering your garden maybe is a nice view to look at during the winter but as the temperature drops, the snow, frost and waterlogged soil will become major killers of most of the tender plants or dormant plants. The protections that you need to give to your plants definitely depend on the weather conditions and also the exposure of your garden during winter. Below are some of the steps to follow in order for you to protect your plants during winter.
What you need:
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Greenhouse or mini greenhouse
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PVC pipes and visqueen (for building greenhouse)
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Old lumber or metal posts (for building greenhouse)
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Tarps or thick plastic
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Staples, tacks or small size rope
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Build sheds, carports, pump houses, lean-to\’s, covered porches or screened porches
Method:
- One of the protections that you can use is by providing a greenhouse because it is an excellent protection for plants against winter and frost. The greenhouses normally hold heat and blocks freezing temperatures, frosts, high winds and also freezing rain. If you are on a budget, an inexpensive greenhouse can be build by using PVC pipes and visqueen, old lumber or metal posts, which can be easily set up and use for multiple seasons throughout the year.
- You can just create a frame around the plant and use the visqueen (either tarps or thick plastic materials) as its cover. In order to secure it, use staples, tacks or tying it using a small rope. Always bear in mind, during warm weather the greenhouse need to be removed for allowing the plant to have fresh air and also avoid over heating.
- Besides that, you can also wrap the plants using a cloth for protection. Either use old blankets, burlap sacks, sheets, towels or other thick fabric. But whenever these items are wet and frozen, they will become like a sheet of ice and in the end, cause damage to the plant parts touched by them.
- Other option to consider is the Mulching method which can protect tender plants, tree and shrubs from winter. At least a very thick layer of mulch is needed to be made (up to 6-inch) for protecting the plant\’s root and its base. Make sure that you do not put it directly up to the plant\’s base because it causes the plant to rot. Always remember not to forget to apply insecticides because these types of protections may also invite insects which can feed on the plant. Some of the Mulching types that you can use are Pine straw, Wood chips, Saw dust, Compost, Grass clippings, Leaves, Shredded paper, Rocks or Hay.
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Build a shed, carports, pump houses, lean-to\’s, covered porches and screened porches to create a good way of protection for your plants during the winter because not all the plants can survive if brought into your house for indoor protection.
Additional Reading:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Protect-Your-Plants-From-Winter-Frost
http://www.essortment.com/all/plantprotection_rwuc.htm
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/dec/17/ann-lovejoy-green-gardening-protect-your-plants/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2112087/how_to_protect_your_plants_during_the.html?cat=32
http://www.itimes.com/public_view-discussion.php?mid=33404&ccid=21897
http://plantsbulbs.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_protect_plants_in_the_winter
Image Credit:
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/rd/how-to-keep-container-plants-warm-during-the-winter0.jpg
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