When temperatures get too low, you’re gonna wanna overwinter.
Plants that are native and/or grow well in theUSDA hardiness zonewhere you live should do fine.
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What Is Overwintering?
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Overwintering is the process of preparing plants for cold temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
Overwintering lets you keep plants for several years that otherwise might survive just one season.
The goal is for the plant to survive the off-season and achieve new growth the following spring.
Want more gardening tips?
Do You Have to Overwinter Plants?
Mulch is the best protection for shallow rooted shrubs.
Tropical houseplants:Plenty of beautifultropical houseplantsbenefit from a season outdoors.
Here are some easy methods for overwintering plants.
Inspect leaves and stems thoroughly, especially the undersides of leaves for pests like aphids and scale.
It’s much easier to applytreatments of neemor horticultural oil while the plant is still outside.
Do any end-of-season pruning, replenishing potting soil or potting up when necessary.
Avoid putting your plants through steeptemperature fluctuations.
Digging and Storing Bulbs and Tubers
Dig tender bulbs when the tops have dried and died back.
Bulbs, roots, and tubers may all be stored differently depending on the plant species.
Most will overwinter best in cool, dry conditions in temperatures between 40 and 50oF.
Many perennials die back naturally at the end of the season.
Cut down spent stalks and foliage to add to the compost pile.
This removes winter shelter for insect pests and diminishes disease potential.
How to overwinter plants.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
