Autumn is here. There is a chill in the air, and the leaves start turning. For gardeners, this time of year is all about preparation for the cold months ahead. While you might think that winter is when nothing happens in the garden, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, it is a time to pause and reflect on what you would love to happen in the new year; much can also be done to continue your growing season in a polytunnel or greenhouse.
One of your biggest tasks this winter is how to keep plants alive during the colder months. Garden planning for winter must consider the plants that will not survive a frost and those that would be happier undercover.
Here we offer some essential tips to help you keep your plants safe this winter.
Assess the needs of the plant
Not all plants need protection over the winter months. Some plants are relatively hardy and can sustain themselves through cold periods. If you are unsure about the hardiness of your plants, you can search the Royal Horticulture Society website. It is beneficial to look up those plants you bought on impulse this year, ensuring you are fully briefed on the care instructions.
You will be glad to know that many native plants can naturally cope with our wet and cold winters. Trees and shrubs such as silver birch, holly and hawthorn don’t need additional attention to get them through the winter. Your bulbs, such as bluebell and daffodil, will already be rooted underground, waiting fallow for the turn in the weather.
There will also be those plants that only have one growing season. These annuals, such as sunflowers, will fall back and die no matter how hard you try. However, you can harvest the seeds ready for growing afresh in the new year. Equally, some short-lived perennials may need to be cut back, as they tend to look untidy over time.
A challenging and cold winter
The most significant danger to tender plants comes from frost and snow. There are three ways that you can protect them.
First, you can move them inside. If you have a greenhouse or a polytunnel, you can move them from the worst weather. Hopefully, your most vulnerable perennials will be in pots and can be moved.
Some garden plants, such as gladioli, are root hardy. While the plant may look like it has died away, the tubers or bulbs will withstand the cold, and you should see shoots early in the spring. If you want to protect them from a predicted cold patch, you can lift them and store them in a shed, planting them again in the spring.
A second option is the application of mulch. Mulch can be wood chippings or garden compost, protecting the roots from the cold. It will also help retain the moisture, too.
Third, as required, you might have an easy-to-erect polytunnel to cover your beds and borders. If you don’t have a polytunnel, you can use old newspapers or buy some horticultural fleece, which creates temporary barriers to the conditions.
Wet and windy conditions
It is becoming rarer to see a frosty and snow-filled winter in the UK. More likely, you will protect plants from over-saturation of heavy rains that can cause root rot. The best way to shelter plants from the effects of wet weather is to bring them inside or place them against walls or fences to give them some shelter.
Your herbs will be fine in the cold and dislike the rain. Therefore, you may wish to use your porch or kitchen window to keep these away from the worst of the weather.
Raising your pots off the ground is one important and overlooked step. You can prevent waterlogging with space beneath the banks for excess water flow.
Finally, don’t forget the power of a good stake to help offer some stability in the strong winds.
Other important tasks
As gardeners, we must also consider the long-term health of the ecosystem of our garden. While we are concerned for the health of our plants, we also need to think about shelter and food for insects, birds, and small mammals. Remember that these animals are crucial in keeping the overall health of your garden in balance. Therefore, adding supplementary food, leaving leaf and log piles and putting out water is also good practice.
Conclusion
Keeping plants safe from winter conditions is made more accessible when you bring those more sensitive to the conditions indoors. Once you have worked out which needs more care and attention than others, a polytunnel, greenhouse, or porch will offer the best sanctuary from the wind, rain, frost, and snow.
Here’s a checklist on how to keep your plants safe this winter:
| Task | Details/Tip |
|---|---|
| Move Sensitive Plants Indoors | Relocate potted or delicate plants to warmer indoor spaces |
| Mulch Garden Beds | Apply mulch to insulate roots and retain soil moisture |
| Water Before Freeze | Water plants before a freeze to help insulate roots |
| Cover Outdoor Plants | Use blankets, row covers, or frost cloths for overnight protection |
| Prune Dead or Damaged Branches | Remove weak branches to prevent breakage from snow/ice |
| Protect Container Plants | Group pots together and wrap them for extra warmth |
| Check for Pests | Inspect plants and treat any infestations before winter sets in |
| Winterize Irrigation Systems | Drain hoses and irrigation to prevent freezing and damage |
| Clean & Store Tools | Clean, dry, and store tools to prevent rust |
| Monitor for Overwatering | Reduce watering frequency as plants need less in winter |