The Sunday Mail
As the cold season settles in, many people are worried about their treasured plant collections. Worry not, there are a number of things that can be done to preserve your plants so that they can survive in this chilly weather.Recently, it was reported that a hail storm destroyed vegetation in the Midlands province.
Serious mitigation measures are needed in such situations.
The physiology of a plant does nothing to protect it from severe cold, unless it is a woody subject. Most young trees, shrubs, vegetables, annuals and herbs are vulnerable to frost.
Many people place small bottles around their vegetable patches. The principle is correct but the size of the containers is wrong.
What you actually need are buckets placed around your important plants with water inside. This will get very cold fog rising from the water. This fog will protect your plants from frost bites.
You can also install an automatic sprinkler system in your garden and set it in such a way that the sprinklers switch on in the early hours of the morning when frost is likely to form. The water works as an insulation on the plants, thereby preventing frost bites.
Always pay attention to weather reports as they will alert you on impending frost dangers.
You can also grow plants that are suitable for your area and frost hardy. Some frost hardy plants are the abelia, abutilon, aloysia, azalea, buddleia, callistemon, coprosma, cordyline, elaegnus, hebe, hibiscus, hypericum, hydrangea and lavender.
Always ensure that your plants are not water stressed as thirsty plants will likely not survive an attack. The wet soil will release moisture into the air, thereby keeping your plants warmer.
However, try not to over feed your plants during winter as tender plants will succumb to frost. If you are fortunate to have a slope in your garden, plant your frost sensitive plants on higher ground since cold settles more on lower ground.
For your most valuable collection, you can also use a large electric fan, which will blow air around your plants, driving away the cold from your plants. Ensure that no moisture gets to the electrical device.
Another very common method of protecting your plants is through covering them whilst it is still warm during the day. Construct grass structures around your plants or simply use buckets or cloths to cover the smaller plants.
The covering must be removed during the day as overheating can occur, thereby damaging the plants. Resources permitting, one can also construct a frame on which to mount a tent over the plants.
If you have a number of pot plants that you cannot move then consider burying them in the ground. Remove any winter damaged foliage in spring, the damaged parts will protect the plants during the rest of winter. Happy winter gardening!
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