Simple Gardening Tips - How to Protect Plants from the Cold

If you have some cold weather just around the corner and want to save your favorite plants, there are a few things you can do that will help them last through the cold spell or through the winter. Not all plants are designed for some of the more severe climates but many can survive if you are willing to give them a little extra tender loving care. Here are some simple gardening tips to teach you how to protect plants from the cold.

The most obvious and easiest thing to do is plant things that are suited for your particular climate. Many countries are divided into zones. Find the zone that you live in. Then you can ask advice about the best plant types for your weather conditions. Also, be aware that some plants experience dormancy in the winter. This just means that they appear to die when they are only resting until spring. Here are some things to keep in mind.

* Annuals are plants that need to be planted annually as their name suggests. Some may reseed themselves each year. You can extend the growing season with simple shelters or by starting the seeds inside so that they can easily be transferred outdoors.

* Perennials last from year to year. You will need to acquaint yourself with the needs of each plant so you can meet any special requirements such as pruning, cutting back or fertilizing.

* Use the knowledge of local experts so you know what to expect and how to help your plants last through the winter months.

* If you find a plant you like, see if a variety exists for your area. For example there are some citrus trees that have been bred specifically for colder weather.

* For young plants that are not outdoor hardy yet, place them in an area where they will be sheltered. Places you may try are the sides of your house, or close to an alley.

* Spend a few days observing where the sun shines in your yard. This will help you plan what plants to use. The one thing to remember that the pattern will change as the seasons change.

* Use old blankets, tarps or even weighted newspapers to cover young plants until the cold snap breaks. This is a simple, yet tried and true method that works easily. Just be sure you take the covering off during the day.

* If your plants are in a pot or container, simply move them indoors. While not all plants do well inside, they may last until the spring. Another method is to overwinter the plant. This involves digging up the plant at just the right time. Then you store it in the proper way inside. Again, seek advice from the experts.

* Mulch is another good way to protect your plants. This will serve to insulate your plant from severe temperature changes. Different plants require different methods. You will want to be sure you mulch correctly or it can do more damage than harm. Be sure that you pull away the mulch when the time is right so that the soil can warm up as the weather does.

* If only a light frost is in the forecast, then water your plants because this can help them keep the heat from the day. But if the weatherman says a hard freeze is coming your way, don't water because this can cause your plant to rupture.

Following these simple gardening tips on how to protect your plants from the cold, you will be able to stop worrying about your garden and plants when the cold weather starts to roll in!