Not all plants from your balcony or terrace have to be brought into a winter quarters, some of them are frost hardy and can spend the winter outside. For this, however, the plants must be well prepared and winterized.
Hardy plants can also overwinter in the tub outside
How do I winterize my potted plants?
In principle, all potted plants are more sensitive to frost than bedding plants, the roots simply lack the protection of the deep frost-free soil. Unfortunately, this is often forgotten and then the root balls freeze to death. An effective protection are, for example, old blankets or jute bags. But make sure that the plants get enough air and that no mold can form.
So make your pot plants winter-proof by wrapping the pot warm from all sides, including from below. A thick wooden panel can be helpful here, as an alternative a polystyrene panel. (45.00 €) Both insulate against the cold floor. Also, place your potted plants so that they are sheltered from both freezing winds and excessive moisture.
Do potted plants have to be watered in winter?
Not all potted plants need water in winter. Some plants lose their entire green, practically only the root ball or the tuber overwinters, for example in the case of dahlias. These plants do not need regular watering. It is sufficient if the tubers do not dry out completely, but overwintering in frost-free winter quarters is recommended.
The essentials in brief:
- only hardy plants overwinter outside
- do not fertilize in winter
- watering evergreen plants is essential, but only on frost-free days
- Protect plants from icy winds
- also protect the root ball from freezing
tips
Many plants die in winter because they are dying of thirst, not freezing to death. Therefore, water your evergreen plants regularly.