Just because it’s cold does not mean your gardening hobby has to go into hibernation. Since we live in a cold climate, it is important to know how to care for our plants as the winter weather bears down. If you have a green thumb and are looking to take on the challenge of extending your harvest through the winter months, here are some beginner tips to help you get started.
When you begin your gardening journey, mix in some plants that can adapt to cold weather. Vegetations like spinach, carrots, onions and kale can easily adapt to the weather. If you have an herb garden, plant some rosemary or thyme. For flowers, look at pansies, daffodils or primroses. This will mean you still have some plants when the winter turns cold.
Next, adapt your plant’s home to welcome sunlight while keeping out the cold wind. Cold frames are a great option. They come in many sizes, allowing you to protect your plants in any space - from a large backyard to an apartment balcony. The windows will welcome sunlight to extend the growing period of the plant while the surrounding box will keep snow at bay. If you’re in a less snowy part of Canada, row covers – which are heavy fabric that can act as a barrier from the cold, harsh winds – are another effective alternative.
If you can, add some mulch on top of the soil. It will help to insulate it and protect the plant roots. It can also help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, letting your plants and flowers thrive.
If you have a large enough space, move your plants to south-facing walls or fences. This will allow it to get optimal exposure from the sun while providing shelter from the wind. If this is not an option for you, consider finding an indoor gardening alternative. You can plant smaller flowers and herbs in a planter and put it in a sunny windowsill. Here, they will stay warm and free from the harmful effects of snow. As well, they may get better care as you can easily look after them without going outside.
Since the weather is unpredictable and could cause any degree of melting or freezing, it is crucial that you do not overwater your outdoor plants. Frozen water can damage their roots, so spray them either earlier in the day – which will allow for water to evaporate before the temperature drops – or once the weather has warmed up for a bit.