Although it’s too late in the game to prepare your plants for winter, this is probably the time when you’re looking back and wondering what it was you should have done differently. Winter may be hard for some plants to live through, but you don’t need to “put your green thumb” into hibernation during this season.
You can still keep your plants healthy and thriving during the cold weather. Installing a greenhouse made of luxury materials, for example, is not only a beautiful addition to your property, but it can also protect your plants during winter.
If you don’t have a greenhouse to continue to grow year-round, we know some great tips that can contribute to maintaining the health of the plants in your outside garden. And it all stems from early preparation.
Prepare Your Garden for Winter
It’s essential that you started preparing your garden as early as fall because this will give you enough time to do what is necessary to keep freezing temperatures from damaging your plants. One way to make your garden winter-ready is by ‘putting it to bed’. You can do this by pulling out all your annuals and leaving the perennials.
You may also consider seeding in cover crops, like winter wheat. These plants serve as cover and protection for your soil during winter. When spring comes, you can till the crops into the soil.
If you have indoor plants like cacti, you should start cutting back on watering because they will need less water in the winter. Water your cacti when the soil gets very dry and place them away from windows that let chilly air in so they won’t get too cold.
For vegetable gardens, you need to cover tender seedlings. Most fall vegetables can survive temperatures of about 28 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging tissues. But it would be better if you have a few blankets ready to protect them overnight. Remove the blankets when the temperature increases above freezing so the heat won’t stay beneath the coverings.
Taking Your Outdoor Plants Indoor
You can also save your container plants from the freezing temperature by bringing them indoors where the temperature is warm. But remember that not all of them can survive indoors due to their required growing conditions. It’s essential that you transfer them to a space that can provide for their unique needs for light, warmth, and humidity.
When you’re moving outdoor plants indoors, prioritize those that are healthy for a greater chance of survival. Avoid bringing plants with pests or diseases, too. These plants can contaminate other healthy plants because problems spread easily indoors.
It can be challenging to bring all your outdoor plants indoors, especially if you don’t have enough space for them. You may consider growing new plants using cuttings, which is a piece of a plant, be it a stem, a leaf, or a root. Plant cuttings could take much less space and they may also adapt better to new growing conditions than established plants.
Consider Building a Greenhouse
However, if you truly want to keep your plants alive during winter, adding a greenhouse to your property is really the most effective option. It allows you to have more space to grow your plants all year round. A smart greenhouse is even better because it allows you to automate the temperature, lighting condition, water, humidity and other crucial factors that contribute to a healthy growing condition.
Our team at Conservatory Craftsmen focuses on building smart greenhouses using the finest materials and building techniques. We equip each greenhouse with automation and climate control technologies. With us you can always expect a luxurious outcome.
Contact us today for more information.