Do You Want To Know About The Impact Of Cold Weather On Your Plants?

There’s nothing you can do about frozen plants. It’s not your fault. It’s nature being nature.

And, every so often “She” likes to clean out the garden so we will have room to fit in the new and really cool plants in spring.

When the air temperature is above thirty two degrees F, plants won’t freeze. The majority of plants produce protective chemicals that act like anti freeze.

Mother Nature provides the best blanket of protection for the plants in the form of light snow.

The slower the snow melts, the more garden benefits. Snow adds moisture slowly to soil. Rain can’t because of its liquid state.

The ground beneath snow is sheltered. Snow provides insulation for roots underground by acting as an additional mulch. The roots underneath your perennial garden enjoy snow treatment.

Snow cover gives off nitrogen to the plants.

Now You Want To Know a Downside To Consistent Cold Chill In Your Garden

There will be micro-climates of much lower temperatures than normal. Pull the snow off your beds, so that the soil is exposed as soon as possible.

Delay all pruning until after the danger of freezing weather has passed.

Cold soil might delay the onset of spring bulbs. They’ll probably be blooming later than normal this year.

Shrubs and perennials will also be slower to wake up and start growing. And, with the excess of water that comes with snow, there will be a burst of growth.

Many lawns may be damaged, despite a protective layer of snow. There will likely be evidence of snow mold which is a fungal disease.

If your plants do get frosted this doesn’t necessarily mean the end for them. Many plants will recover – given time.

How  To Deal With Snow

Shake excess snow from the branches of large trees, shrubs and hedges, to prevent them from becoming disfigured by the weight.

Remove heavy deposits of snow from the roofs of greenhouses or cold frames to let in the light and prevent the structures from bending under the weight.

Use lengths of string to support the branches of conifers and stop them being pulled out of shape.

Avoid walking on snow-covered grass as it can encourage the growth of fungal diseases which thrive in the cool damp conditions.

There is so much that snow reveals.

Happy gardening with another episode to come.

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Yours truly for a great garden with outstanding veggies and flowers.

Polly – Organic Gardener