Tips for caring for plants in winter

Plants in winter

Winter is a season that in temperate regions we associate with cold, frost and snowfall. The plants that live in these places slow down their growth rate at the end of the summer to be able to better withstand the new conditions that they will have only a few months later.

When growing plant beings in pots or when having a garden, we can do several things to help them. If you don't believe me, follow our tips for caring for plants in winter, and you will see how they arrive healthy in spring.

Irrigation

Metal watering can

Stay tuned for the weather forecasts

Irrigation is very important during all seasons of the year, but controlling it in winter is more difficult if possible. We can water one day and start to snow the next day, with the consequent risk of root frostbite that this would entail. To avoid this, it is very necessary that we be attentive to the weather forecasts, especially if we live in an area where frosts and snowfall are frequent, and do not water if rain or snow is expected the next day or within two days.

Water with warm water

Water at room temperature can be very cold, too cold for the roots of some plants (such as those we have indoors). Therefore, it is highly advisable to temper it, either putting it in a pot or container in the microwave to warm it up a bit, until it reaches a temperature that is not very high (that does not burn us).

Take advantage of sunny days to water

When it is winter the best days to water are those in which the sky is clear and the temperature is a little more pleasant, since this way we avoid running the risk of the roots suffering. But, yes, if we see that the land is dry and we have to water as soon as possible, let's not wait for the weather to improve: let's water with warm water.

Check the humidity of the soil

Before watering, it is always advisable to check the humidity of the soil or substrate. In the coldest months of the year, it stays more humid / a, so the frequency of irrigation is less than in the rest of the year. So that, we must introduce a thin wooden stick at different points around the plant to see how much soil or substrate has adhered to it. In the event that it comes out practically clean, it will mean that it is dry and that, therefore, it must be watered.

Location

Haworthia limifolia 'Variegada'

Cacti and succulent plants must be protected from hail, as they cause serious damage.

There are certain plants that have to be relocated during the coldest months of the year as they cannot withstand low temperatures and / or snow or hail. For example:

  • Succulents (cacti and succulents): They must be in an area where they receive a lot of light but which in turn are protected from ice.
  • Tropical plants (called indoor): These plants must be protected in a heated greenhouse or indoors in a room with plenty of natural light and are protected from drafts to prevent them from feeling the cold.
  • Bonsai: the most chilly (Serissa, Ficus, Carmona, Opercularya) have to be in a greenhouse or indoors in an area that is very well lit.
  • Other plants: If we have plants that can be grown without problems outside but are very young, it is highly recommended to protect them during the first year with, at least, a thermal gardening blanket or with transparent plastic. Another option is, if they are potted, put them near a wall or tall plants to protect them a bit.

Fertilizer

Chemical fertilizer for plants

Mineral fertilizer

Fertilize… in winter? Yes. But it is not made so much to feed the plants as to protect their roots from the cold. In the case of those that are planted in the ground, an organic fertilizer, such as manure or worm castings, can be incorporated into the soil, pouring a 3-4 cm thick layer.

If they are potted plants, I recommend fertilizing them with Nitrofoska, pouring a small spoonful around them once every 15-20 days.

Flowers

We hope these tips are useful so you can enjoy spring to the fullest 🙂.


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