We are already in the middle of winter, and our plants can suffer the consequences of extreme cold if we do not apply a series of precautions. In case you haven't done it before, you still have time, protect your plants from the cold.
Remember that these living beings do not tolerate low temperatures very well. Even the most resistant varieties can succumb if a frost hits them, so it's time to take action.
Why is it important to protect plants from the cold?
Low temperatures can have very negative effects on plant health. In the most serious cases, The cold can end your life. In addition, it must be taken into account that some varieties are much more sensitive to cold than others, which is why they require special protection.
Spending a little time preparing your garden for winter will help you avoid:
- Freezing damage. The cold can freeze the water inside plants, forming crystals capable of causing structural damage that can be more or less serious depending on the proportion of the plant it affects.
- Tissue damage. Those areas of the plants that are most exposed, especially young shoots, can be irreversibly damaged by the cold. This can affect the plant's ability to produce flowers and fruits in the future.
- Desiccation. The cold and the air produce what is known as winter desiccation, which affects the normal functioning of the cells and influences the growth and development of the plant.
- Impact on metabolism. Excess cold causes alterations in the essential biochemical processes that the plant must carry out to survive. Which can have a very negative impact on your health.
Protect your plants from the cold with 5 simple ideas
It is clear that the cold is a great enemy for our plants. At this time of year, even if they are in the dormant phase, we cannot forget about them, and we must provide them with good care so that they grow strong and healthy again when spring arrives.
If you want to prevent low temperatures from causing damage, you can implement one or more of these five alternatives.
Mulching or padding for the soil
Mulching is a gardening technique that involves apply a layer of organic or inorganic material on the surface of the soil that is around the plants, but without touching their stems.
The protective layer can be made from plant remains, compost, straw, plastic, stones, and even special mulching fabric. What it does is create a barrier that helps retain moisture, keep weed growth at bay near plants and prevent soil erosion.
In addition, it has a thermal insulating effect, preventing the cold from outside from reaching the roots of plants and trees. Remember that this part, despite being underground, is especially sensitive to low temperatures.
On the other hand, If we use organic mulching, We are providing our plants with extra nutrients. Because these organic components will decompose over time and release nutrients.
For good results from mulching or padding for the soil, try to apply a layer of between five and 10 centimeters.
Anti-frost fabrics
Anti-frost fabrics are meshes made with materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester. That They allow the passage of light and air while protecting against the cold to the plants.
The fabric is responsible for retaining the heat generated by the plant itself, preventing the cold outside from affecting it directly.
For greater effectiveness, the mesh must be placed before the frost arrives. Extending it on those varieties that we know are more sensitive to cold. And making sure it reaches the ground and Completely cover the most sensitive parts of the plant. During the day, we remove the fabric so that the plant can receive light and air normally.
Since the wind can move this type of fabric, it is recommended to secure the edges to the ground with stakes.
Reduce irrigation
Protect your plants from the cold by adjusting watering during the winter. Since they are now dormant, they don't need as much water, and We can space the irrigation without any problem.
But be careful, the cold can also dehydrate, so We cannot spend too much time without providing water to the species that we have in the garden or in pots.
One way to achieve good results is to apply a little water only to the soil surrounding the stems, without ever wetting the plant itself. In addition, it is preferable to water early in the day, so that excess moisture can evaporate during daylight hours.
Place the plants in a place protected from drafts
The cold is a great enemy for plants, but the wind is not far behind. If you have pots, Place the plants in a place protected from drafts, cLike a porch or near a wall.
What we are looking for with this is to prevent air currents from directly impacting our plants.
In the case of varieties planted directly in the ground, if they are sensitive to wind, you can create a protective barrier around them with some stakes and anti-frost fabric.
Mini plastic greenhouses
The mini plastic greenhouses They are a good solution to protect your smaller plants, even the cuttings you have in the middle of the establishment phase.
They are easily found for sale in garden stores, and no tools are required to assemble them.
Try to place the plants so that they are not close to each other, so that air can circulate. By day, Leave the greenhouse door open so the plants receive more light and air. At night, when temperatures are lower, close the greenhouse door to give them greater protection from the cold.
With these solutions you no longer have an excuse. Protect your plants from the cold now and in a few more weeks you will begin to enjoy all their beauty when their growing season arrives.