A white blanket will soon cover the whole yard, which means there will be fewer gardening tasks to do! It can be like a little holiday for those of you who have been growing and planting all summer and fall.
By now, your plants have probably stopped flowering and are getting ready for a long nap over winter! But your potted plants that are growing outside need a little help from you. You certainly don’t want all of your hard work to go to waste because of the cold and frost that will arrive soon!
A few years ago, I had no idea how to overwinter my potted plants! I knew that they wouldn’t be able to survive extreme temperatures in my garden, so I started searching for the best methods to insulate them!
I found four tricks, and I tried them right before the first frost hit my garden. Luckily, these tips turned out to be excellent for overwintering my potted plants! When spring came, all of my plants started blooming again, and there wasn’t a sign of winter damage.
I was amazed at how everything worked out in the end. If you also have lots of potted plants, there’s no need to worry! All you need to do is use these clever methods I’m about to show you today.
#1 Bring Potted Plants Into Your Cozy Home
Right before the first frost hits your garden (which will be very soon), bring in as many potted plants as you can! Shrubs and tender perennials are shade-loving plants, so it’s ideal to put the pots in the garage or basement.
For plants that enjoy bright spots, place them on a south-facing window in your house! Water your potted plants once a month and make sure that the indoor temperature is between 30 to 40°F.
What can you do if there are more potted plants in your garden and they won’t fit in your house? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some great ideas on how to insulate your outdoor potted plants!
#2 For The Best Insulation, DIY A Cold Frame
If you like DIY projects, then this trick is going to be your favorite! Cold frames are really easy to build and will take only an hour or two of your time. You can make a cold frame using wood, as well as other materials such as blocks or bricks.
For a sturdy, weather-resistant cold frame, it’s best to use wood like cedar! For the top part, you’ll need an old window or shower door. If you can’t find one, use a sheet of glass or twinwall polycarbonate.
To attach the lid to the walls of the cold frame, you will need some strong hinges. Cut the wood to match the dimensions of your window, then attach everything using a drill and screws.
Place the cold frame you made from scratch over your plants and… voila! You have a cozy little home for your potted plants that will help them survive the coldest days in your garden.
#3 Wrap Your Plants With A Special Cover
Another great way to insulate your potted plants this winter is simply by covering them in frost cloth wraps! It will keep your single-potted plants safe from frost.
Wrapping will prevent your containers from cracking while also keeping all the warmth your plants need.
#4 Dig Your Pots Into The Ground And Add This For Extra Warmth
Last but not least, another way to protect your potted plants on cold days is by digging your pots or containers into the ground! Take your shovel and dig as deep as the pots are. Bury them and cover them with the rest of the soil.
Here comes the most important part! After you’ve finished placing your pots in the ground, make sure to add a generous layer of mulch around your plants. This will keep them warm, and there won’t be any risk of frost damage!
Now, you don’t have to worry about whether your potted plants will survive winter or not! With these clever ways and one amazing DIY, you’ll be able to insulate all of your potted plants, even those that won’t fit inside your home.
When spring arrives, you’ll be fascinated by the results! You’ll even be able to see the first blooms right after the white blanket melts away. Potted plants will continue to thrive, and you will be rewarded again with a beautiful landscape.
So, hurry up, winter is coming! Start overwintering your potted plants today.
Good luck!