In the future, as a more permanent solution, we will probably grow any additional olive trees that we plant in the ground somewhere further south of here, probably in zone 8b near the gulf coast. Potted plants can be tricky, mainly because their roots are much more exposed to the elements. In sheltered city gardens, you may get away with not protecting tender plants at all. Try wrapping pots in bubble wrap secured with strong tape or burlap. If your plants are in the ground, try applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around them to trap heat and moisture in the soil. Relevance. Balcony hardy plants plant and care 10 winter plants to brighten up your winter garden on the balcony winter plants for a balcony terrace care for potted hydrangeas in winter … Enjoy colorful foliage when such a delight is scant in the cold winter season. Of course it is also important to prepare your pond for freezing temperatures. 1. One method for protecting plants in a freeze is simply to cover them with a floating row cover (or the DIY version, a large tablecloth or bedsheet). While there are a lot of things that can make you excited for the winter, there are also problems that would require your consideration, especially when it comes to gardening. “Potted plants will also survive the winter in a sack padded with some straw or leaves as a buffer against the cold,” notes the retailer. To protect plants from the cold, start by bringing your potted plants indoors. 10 Winter Plants To Brighten Up Your Balcony. Screens and barriers can be made from burlap. Pinterest Board. Winter can certainly be hard on plants. Plants that are larger require a custom approach. If you grow the 'hardy' or Japanese banana, it's worth giving them some winter protection in late autumn to ensure good growth next year, says RHS Garden Wisley's Alistair Penstone-Smith . Deciduous plants, those that lose their leaves, practically cease any form of activity over winter, and are much less vulnerable to the cold.. However, we know this isn’t always an option. Protect roses by raking a mound of soil around them 12 to 18 inches tall, which can keep the crown safe from freezing. Apply Mulch Or Soil To Slightly Tender Border Plants: Most winter damage occurs when the roots become frozen solid for extended periods. Long-term planning for planting shelter belts or positioning new plants can be done at any time. For more garden planting ideas, check out my blog: Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas: Winter container. Protection through cultivation. 0 0. Balcony Garden Design . If you live in a climate with cold winters, you’re familiar with the regimen of moving potted plants indoors before the first frost. Spanner . The Japanese banana, Musa basjoo, is the most commonly-grown banana in the UK. Cultivation practices can be altered from mid-summer onwards to protect plants later in the season. When to protect plants. 2. Ions … Sun shining on plants transfers energy to the plant, and the plant gets warmer. Winter Friendly Patio Plants . For “instant spring” plant out the potted plants once hard frosts are past. You can also cover your plants with an old blanket, drop cloth, or tarp to protect them from a quick frost, but don't forget to uncover them during the day to allow ventilation! Repellents are another option. Often times, your plants already have mulch around the base of them. Listen To This Week’s New Garden Podcast Episode With Jim & Mary! Related Posts 2 Comments Logan Murphy January 4, 2016 at 5:09 pm - Reply. How To Winterize Potted Plants. 5 Ways to Protect Potted Plants in Winter. Many tender plants will benefit from mulch over their roots for added protection in winter. Add mulch. If you have a say in what happens in the garden, consider planting coniferous trees (think pine, spruce or fir) strategically around your balcony space. Think of mulch like a blanket protecting the garden during the winter months. 15 Best Balcony Plants Apartment Plant Ideas. Build a winter home for larger plants. Answer Save. Overwinter Strawberries to Save Money. Mulch is a garden miracle-worker any time of year and an important part of winter care. Why mulch in winter During winter … “The sacks will also protect smaller evergreens like boxwood from the winter … … Plant them in a pot or container on your balcony, and you will have a blooming plant during the coldest months. Protecting dormant plants during the winter yields much more production following. You can protect the roots of penstemons, phygelius, 'hardy' fuchsias and other slightly tender plants from damaging winter frosts by covering the soil around them with a 7.5-10cm (3-4in) deep layer of mulch. Protect plants from animals using hardware cloth with a 1/4-inch mesh. A common winter problem is heaving or uplift of soils caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Share the story. Ideally, you will want to have the mulch at 2-4 inches deep for optimal protection and benefits. If you overwinter strawberry plants successfully, you don’t have to buy them again the following year. Here I will talk about 5 ways to protect potted plants in winter, as sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to keep them happy and alive in the cold weather.