As we get too busy doing our Christmas preparations such as getting presents for everyone and checking off our grocery list, we often forget that they are other things we should prepare for during these cold times. Trees and plants, especially those situated outside, can suffer damage throughout the freezing weather and snow. So how do you protect these plants in order to ensure that they can survive the cold season?

The answer is planning. The most effective way of protecting your outdoor plants from the harsh winter weather is preparation. Gather all the materials you will need such as the organic material for mulching and the screens and blankets for covering the plants.

For annual plants, those that do not grow back after winter, you might want to pull them out when the temperature drops. As for perennial plants, those which grow back, it is best to prune them.

You can also place plants indoors. Determine which potted plants can be put indoors and place them closely together. This will help them keep warm and will ensure that they have a high chance of surviving winter. Potted plants need good water drainage.

Mulching is the process of putting a protective material on top of the garden soil, which can help retain the moisture and regulate the temperature of the root system. By mulching, the root system of the plants are protected from freezing. Placing organic material can also increase the quality of the soil as it breaks down.

By covering the plants with screens, burlap, or blankets especially during night time, they can be protected from the strong cold winds and prevent freezing. Make sure you remove the covers during daytime for the much needed sunshine.

Written by:  Aimee Jarrels, NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Pender County

Learn more:

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/extension-gardener-handbook/18-plants-grown-in-containers

https://lenoir.ces.ncsu.edu/2016/10/moving-houseplants-indoors/

https://today.tamu.edu/2019/11/11/how-to-prepare-your-plants-for-cold-weather/