WINTER PROTECTION !
Watering, as always, is as vital in the winter months as it is during a hot, dry summer. In the south, because our ground doesn’t freeze, roots grow during the fall and winter. We must continue to irrigate but be conscious of not overwatering. A cold, wet, soggy soil can lead to disease. When freeze alerts go out for your area, make sure the landscape is watered sufficiently. A moist soil will only get to 32 degrees and stop while a dry rootball can plummet to below freezing and cause some real damage. Make sure your irrigation system is checked frequently and is operating correctly.
Resist the urge to cut back foliage during these cold months. We frequently warm rapidly after a cold blast and this can trigger new growth on pruned plants. This growth is extremely tender and will surely freeze during the next cold spell, Branches that have raw cuts from pruning are an open invitation to disease and we don’t need that ! Perennials should not be pruned until spring
Move container plants indoors when frost threatens and you can move them back out as the weather warms. For plants in the ground we want to cover with a fabric type barrier, such as blankets, frost blankets, sheets, etc. Plastic offers very little, if any, protection and can allow plants to burn from the winds. As soon as the temps are above 32 degrees, you can remove the coverings. If plants have a covering of ice, don’t panic as ice actually is a great insulator.
It’s a great time to sip hot chocolate, keep the bird feeders full and dream of what plans you have for the garden next spring…..it won’t be long !
