While frost-sensitive plants are placed in the winter, hardy ones are usually outdoors. However, the natural winter hardiness in the bucket can be impaired. Frost protection then provides a remedy for potted plants.

In a nutshell

  • good preparation is important
  • overwinter particularly sensitive plants frost-free
  • different materials to protect the bucket
  • insulating base protects against bursting of the pot and against ground frost

basics

The right frost protection should ensure that potted plants get through the winter well. It is intended to protect both the above-ground parts of the plants and the root ball in the pot from the effects of frost. Other useful measures:

  • Do not place plants in direct sunlight in winter
  • Prefer a location protected from wind and rain, e.g. B. on a house wall
  • Do not apply antifreeze too late or remove it too soon
  • not too much in winter, but water regularly
  • watch out for pests or diseases (mould growth).

Preparation of the plants

Most plants do better if they are prepared for winter. This includes the following measures:

  • place plants in semi-shade towards the end of autumn, before it gets cold
  • Don't water the plants as much
  • Stop fertilizing so that woody shoots in particular can mature
  • Remove diseased or dead plant parts
  • Check for pests and remove or treat if necessary

Overwinter frost-free

The easiest and safest way is to simply overwinter the affected plants in a frost-free room. A cool room in the house or in the garage is suitable for this. It becomes difficult when there are many plants and limited space and when the plants are large, unwieldy and heavy. The annual clearing and clearing then requires a lot of time and energy. Therefore, with the right protection, plants that are not quite as sensitive to cold can overwinter outdoors.

wood

Wood is a good insulating material, especially when it comes to protection from below. Even placing the pot on a piece of wood will help protect it from severe ground frost. The drainage hole cannot freeze over and the roots of the plants are therefore not so threatened by root rot due to too much moisture.

Notice: Too much water can expand in the pot during frost and cause it to burst.

styrofoam

A thick styrofoam plate not only protects from below. If the pot is packed in Styrofoam from all sides, it is completely protected from severe frost. Styrofoam has the advantage that it is often used as packaging material and is therefore often already available in the household anyway.

coconut

Coir mats can insulate from below, but can also be attached to all sides by wrapping them around the pot. There are even round coconut mats for the surface of the earth, which protect the soil from drying out.

Reed

Reed mats alone are usually too thin to really provide effective frost protection for potted plants. But they are higher than many other materials and protect the entire plant. To improve the protective effect, the mats are wrapped around the pot several times. With this method, protection from below must not be forgotten. The pot is best placed on a wooden or styrofoam pad before wrapping.

sheep wool

Sheep's wool is not only a natural insulating material, it also has excellent moisture-regulating properties. Sheep's wool fleece on the bottom surface of the plant pot transports moisture better than other materials. The soil cannot become moldy or dry out as easily. Sheep's wool is available by the meter, it is only cut to fit and the pot can be wrapped with it.

jute

Jute bags are not only suitable for insulating the pot. With a suitably large sack, the entire plant can be wrapped and protected. It is important that the plants are freed in good time in spring and that they are not too wet in winter, otherwise they could become mouldy.

jute material

bubble wrap

Film with large knobs in particular reliably protects potted plants from the cold. However, bubble wrap has one disadvantage. The plants cannot breathe in it and air does not circulate. When it is warm, the soil and plants can actually start to "sweat". This in turn can lead to rot if there is too much moisture.

frequently asked Questions

Why do hardy potted plants need to be protected?

Since the root space is very limited, hardy plants can also be damaged. The most important thing is to compensate for strong temperature fluctuations. Frequent thawing and refreezing damages the fine root system.

Can the antifreeze be reused?

Depending on the quality of the material used, it can be used again every winter. Only when the plants move to larger pots does the winter protection have to be adjusted.

What must be considered after the winter?

Only remove the pan protection when no major temperature fluctuations down to the minus range are to be expected. Do not immediately expose the plants to full sun and fertilize sparingly at the beginning. Cut back frozen shoots.

Category:

Garden plants