Tammy SonsFounder/CEO, TN Nursery · CEO TN Nursery

How to Protect Perennials for Winter - TN Nursery

19 Oct 2022 · 3 min

Watch on YouTube

2:37

In this instructional video, the TN Nursery presenter explains why protecting perennial plants during winter is essential for maintaining their health, vigor, and longevity. The speaker outlines three primary, actionable strategies: (1) selecting appropriate containers—specifically recommending insulated fiberglass planters that keep roots warm and shield them from frozen ground; (2) applying a 3‑to‑5‑inch layer of lightweight, non‑compacting mulch after the first frost to retain soil moisture, stabilize temperature, and prevent soil heave caused by freeze‑thaw cycles; and (3) relocating potted or hanging‑basket perennials indoors or into a garage, with the ideal solution being indoor decorative placement. The video emphasizes that healthy root systems can survive cold, damp conditions when these measures are taken. The presentation concludes with a brief promotional plug for Tennessee Wholesale Nursery’s perennials.

Chapters

Welcome to TN Nursery YouTube channel. Today, let's talk about how to protect perennials for winter. Protecting your perennial plants from the severe circumstances that winter can bring is one of the greatest ways to keep them healthy, strong, and vibrant year after year. Unfortunately, while many gardeners are concerned about subfreezing temperatures hurting their plants, the additional risks of winter can inflict just as much, if not more, damage. Here are some useful suggestions to protect your plants throughout the winter. Quick tip number 1: Choose the right planter. Choosing the correct container is the first step in winterizing plants. Fiberglass is the most effective plant protection material. Garden centers will attest to this, since they are among our most frequent buyers for fiberglass planters. Fiberglass planters not only keep plants warm, but they also protect them when the rest of the ground freezes. Quick tip number 2: Mulch the area down. Mulch is used to retain soil moisture and insulation, which helps to keep soil temperatures stable. When soil is damp, it is much more difficult to freeze solid. Soil heave or uplift induced by freeze-thaw cycles is a frequent winter problem. After the first frost, water your plants thoroughly and apply a 3 to 5-inch layer of mulch. Because they will not compact, lightweight materials are ideal. Quick tip #3: Move potted planters indoors. To protect your plants from the cold, the first and easiest step is to take them indoors. Bring indoors any plants that are kept in hanging baskets or pots outside. The temperature will rise if you relocate to the garage, so that's an option. The greatest solution, if at all possible, is to use your plants as decorative accents inside the house. Why is it critical to protect your plants? You must protect them for your plants' roots have the ability to establish themselves well over the winter in cold, damp conditions. While protecting plant health in the winter is difficult, we hope this video will help you keep your plant healthy and protected in the winter. Here's to protecting your perennials this winter! Premium quality perennials are for sale at Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, with low prices and fast shipping. Visit our website today. Thank you for watching.