Protected from wind and precipitation, plants are in good hands on the balcony in winter. However, there is still a risk of frost damage to the crops. On this page you will learn how to protect your plants effectively and how they differ from overwintering in the garden.
The upper parts of the plant often freeze to death in frost, but the roots remain
manual
Required material
- a pruning shears
- Insulating material such as straw, brushwood or old leaves
- Garden fleece, bubble wrap or jute bags
- wooden or styrofoam mats
Action
- Pruning and removal of old plant parts
- Check for winter hardiness
- Apply winter protection
- further care
The cutback
Deciduous plants draw their nutrients back in in the fall due to the dwindling sunlight. For this reason, the chlorophyll, the green pigment, is also lost from the leaves. Since the plants no longer have an attractive appearance anyway, pruning is all the easier. Withered or even diseased shoots should be removed before applying winter protection. Depending on the type of balcony plant, cutting back to about a third of the original length is also recommended. Thus, the plant does not waste any unnecessary energy in maintaining the new shoots, but can gather strength in the dormant phase in order to sprout magnificently in the following year. However, do not do such a pruning too late in the year so that wounds can close before the first frost.
Control of winter hardiness
Not every plant that is declared as hardy can withstand severe sub-zero temperatures. Some plants have to be overwintered indoors. Temporarily relocate the potted plants to a cool stairwell. You should also carefully inspect the plant for pests or diseases beforehand.
Apply winter protection
- Cover substrate with straw or brushwood
- make sure that air is still getting to the ground
- Place the plant on a sheltered house wall
- Cover the bucket with fleece or jute
- fix with a cord if necessary
- Place the bucket on a wooden or styrofoam board (€45.00) to avoid cold from below
- possibly put on a second cover
tips
Winter protection doesn't always have to look dreary. Jute bags are also available with colorful patterns.
Further care
- water on frost-free days
- Leave winter protection on the plant only as long as necessary