Growing Extra Tender Plants

As the final touches of Summer fade away and Autumn approaches, many gardeners are harvesting flowers and plants that they had nurtured with painstaking care. But, sadly, the days grow shorter and nights colder, and plants need to be prepared for the inevitable cooler months. Pulling these plants after frost comes as early as possible will ensure that they make it through the season. Some varieties of tender plants will actually flower twice; once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

Frost is harmless to plants or flowers; it is their chilling effect that kills them. However, it is quite easy to protect tender plants or flowers from frost. You can wrap containers up with moist newspaper or burlap before you dig them up. This will insulate them just enough to keep frost from damaging the valuable contents of your container. You will be able to feel pretty confident about the safety of your plants should they be exposed to a quick freeze.

Trying to keep your containers in the best shape possible during the cold months can be a challenge, but having some extra insurance is a good idea. Adding a loose sheet ofLean-To Plastic and insulating tape option to your pots during the fall will protect them from freezing temperatures. Tender plants may need to be lifted and stored indoors depending on the climate. Leaving them out in the open during the winter months could result in them freezing to death.

Deadheading Plants in the AutumnWind, sand, and moisture may cause flowers to age prematurely. By removing dying blossoms and watering more often you can keep your flowers vibrant and preventing them from falling prey to weather. Try your best to keep the deadheads long enough to provide an attractive winter cover for your plants. Trying to harvest too early can result in having unwanted flowers blooming in the summer instead.

Watering Guidelines during WinterWatering is an important part of taking care of your garden or landscape during the winter. It is a simple fact; plants don’t know the difference between hot and cold so you better be quick to recognize when it’s time to water your landscape. It’s recommended that you use a heavy watering method at the beginning of the winter to get the ground ready to prepare itself for the coming summer months. This will prevent shocking the soil and roots resulting in a lack of moisture.

Controlling WeedsUsing a thick layer of mulch will control weeds. Knockout roses are resistant to weed attacks, but an effective way to avoid pulling weeds is to till your soil then apply mulch. This will suffocate the weeds and help prevent them from developing. Regularly applying a layer of mulch will control weeds and require less effort.

Winter ControllingSnow along with heavy winds is a common concern during the winter. One solution is to create a covering for your plants. By covering them up the leaves and branches don’t have to fight for moisture and nutrients. Another way is to use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent the seeds from receiving the much-needed light to grow. You will need to choose between pre-emergent and natural organic pesticides, but many people make the mistake of using both. Many natural organic pesticides are actually toxic to plants, so ask for guidance when purchasing.

Proper Placement of Winter ContainersTaking care of your plants in the winter months requires proper planning. Protecting plants from frost can be more work, but it will definitely prevent destruction should the need arise. Placing plants to allow the maximum sun exposure increases the survival rate; these include Lotuses, lots of sun, and plants that like warm temperatures.

Add lighting along the walkway or near your front door to add beauty to your property. Lighting helps to create ambiance and bring your yard to life, especially at night. The ambiance that you create will be better enjoyed if the lighting is both attractive and pleasant.

• Ponds – Many ponds can be formed in the winter months and replenished with new life when the spring arrives. Make sure you have your pond in a safe location, away from predators and children.
• Composting – Composting beauty, nutrition, and serenity to your garden. From start to finish, vermicomposting is a process that transforms organic waste into soil Enhancements. The nutrients and laugh, which are released into the soil will improve your garden tremendously.
• Mulching – This technique is used to protect the soil and control weeds. The beauty of mulch is that it also helps to prevent the predators of the fungi associated with these vermicomposting efforts.

Types of Mulch:

• Hardwood bark – often used in making shingles, fences, and paths. Keeps water in the soil and prevents weeds.
• Lumberchips – plastic debris that is shredded into smaller pieces that will be absorbed back into the ground.