PROTECTING PLANTS FROM FROST

Position
In winter, the location of plants which are sensitive to frost is important. Plants that are hardly sheltered have a harder time of it than plants that are out of the wind (e.g. in the city). It also gets much colder in the east of our country than in the coastal provinces. But not only the cold can damage the plants, also a heavy rainfall can harm them.

Frost-sensitive plants
Frost-sensitive plants are perennials that die during frost. The temperature at which this happens differs per plant. It is best to put them in pots and let them hibernate coolly on the veranda or in the greenhouse. Plants that are sensitive to frost usually die not from the cold, but from wet feet. If you leave them anyway, make sure they are in a well-drained spot. Many frost-sensitive plants can withstand a few degrees of frost, because it often freezes in the country of origin. In case of severe frost, however, these plants really need to be kept inside, in a shed, garage, unheated room or corridor.

Evergreen plants
If it not only freezes at night, but also during the day, evergreens need to be protected. Evergreen plants are not at rest in the winter. If it freezes heavily at night and the sun shines during the day, the leaves may dry out and even burn. It is best to place some fleece, an old rag or towel over the leaves to protect the plant from the sunlight. Alpine plants and prickly pear (Acaena) are evergreen but also sensitive to frost. In case of severe frost (around -10°C), cover the leaves with some pine branches, a layer of coarse compost or straw to protect them.

Position In winter, the location of plants which are sensitive to frost is important. Plants that are hardly sheltered have a harder time of it than plants that are out of the wind (e.g. in the city). It also gets much colder in the east of our country than in the coastal provinces. But not…