Winter weather can be tough on our outdoor plants. Here in Visalia, we don’t experience temperature extremes like in other areas, but we still have fluctuations in temperatures in the winter months that can negatively affect your plants. This winter, we’ve experienced some interesting weather fluctuations. How can we keep our tender plants safe over winter?

1. 1. Learn your hardiness zone
      It’s important to know the hardiness zone that you live in. Every plant has a hardiness zone that it will do best in. Lower hardiness numbers are tougher and hardier plants. Higher hardiness numbers love the heat and are more tender and delicate when dealing with cold and frost. Here in Visalia, we are in hardiness zone 9b.
   2. Protect your potted plants
      Potted plants are most vulnerable because their roots are above the ground which means that they are exposed to the winter cold. You can wrap your pots in burlap, plastic, or cloth. Another option is to purchase double-walled pots for extra root protection.
   3. Protect your roots with mulch
      Mulch is like an insulating blanket for your plants. Cold temperatures can damage or kill the tops of plants, but they can regrow if their roots are kept cozy. 2-3 inches of mulch on the top of the soil will moderate temperature, preserve moisture, and reduces weeds.
   4. Don’t forget the water
      Wind during the winter can dry out your plants, especially if it’s been colder than usual. Even a small amount of water can replenish your plants reserves and help it make it through the season. Just be careful, because plants don’t want to sit in cold, wet, mushy soil, so do not overwater. Root rot is a very common problem during the cold season.
   5. Beware of wind
      Wind during the winter can be detrimental to your plants because they remove moisture. Broadleaf evergreens are especially vulnerable to the cold enemy winter winds. It’s important to add a windbreak or barrier around or near your plants to protect them over winter.
   6. Add some heat sources
      Even a small amount of heat can help your plants through a cold spell. Some people create a cover on top of their plants using heat-generating lights. These lights help to protect the plant from some of the elements. Burn barrels are sometimes useful on frosty days as well.
   7. Bring the plants inside
      Sometimes it’s best to just bring your potted plants inside. If the weather is going to be especially tricky bringing your plants inside can give them a leg up. It’s important to monitor the plants and make sure they are happy and healthy and avoiding pests, bugs, and disease in the warm and dry environment indoors.

Winter can be tough on plants, but with the right care they can thrive throughout the season.