Summer is drawing to a close, and the first signs of autumn are in the air. To ensure the survival of your plants during the cold months, it is crucial to prepare them well for winter. This Botanix guide explains when and how to install winter protection, taking into account the specific characteristics of hardiness zones.
Why Protect Your Plants for Winter?
Winter protection helps to insulate plants from intense cold, protect them from drying winds, damage caused by the weight of snow and ice, as well as freeze-thaw cycles that can damage roots.
- The weight of snow and ice
- Road salt, which can damage hardwood and coniferous trees
- Strong winds
- Rodents such as squirrels, rabbits, and rats
- Sudden temperature changes
When to Install Winter Protection?
Just as it is crucial to remove protection at the right time, it is equally important to install it before the full rigours of winter set in. Protecting your plants too late can reduce their chance of survival, while protecting them too early can make them vulnerable to moisture and disease. Here are some indications of when to take action:
- General Rule: Wait until the ground begins to freeze lightly on the surface and plants have gone dormant. Generally, this is between late October and mid-November, but it can vary depending on the year and region.
- Zones 3 and 4: In these zones with harsher winters, it is best to install protection a little earlier, around late October or early November, before the first significant snowfalls and severe cold.
- Zone 5: In this zone where winter is a bit milder, you can wait a little longer, generally around mid-November, when cold temperatures become more consistent.
Signs to Observe:
- Leaf Drop: For deciduous trees and shrubs, the complete dropping of leaves is a good indicator that the plant is entering dormancy.
- Consistent Cooling Temperatures: When nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing and daytime temperatures remain cool, it's time to act.
- Cold Soil: When the soil starts to feel cold to the touch, it's a sign that it's time to protect the roots of your plants.
Types of Protection and When to Install:
- Mulch: Mulch can be installed once the soil has cooled, but before heavy frosts. A layer of mulch 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) thick is generally recommended.
- Wraps for Trunks and Shrubs: These protections are usually installed before the first significant snowfalls to protect against damage caused by winter sun and rodents.
- Structures for Sensitive Plants: Tunnels, small greenhouses, or winter covers can be installed when weather forecasts call for prolonged periods of intense cold.
Important Tips:
- Don't rush to install protection too early. Plants need a period of cold to properly enter dormancy.
- Carefully observe local weather and the condition of your plants to determine the optimal time.
- Use materials appropriate for the specific needs of each type of plant.
By adequately preparing your garden for winter, you give your plants the best chance of surviving and thriving next spring. Don't hesitate to consult the experts at your local Botanix Garden Centre for personalized advice.
