The first chilly days of winter are here for us Minnesotans. If you have outdoor plants in Minneapolis, it’s important to find ways to protect them as the snow falls. Some plants might be able to come inside during the winter, but what should you do for plants that have to stay outdoors, such as bushes and small trees? Here are some of our tips on how to keep your plants safe during the winter.
Mulching
Making and laying down mulch is a great way to protect your outdoor plants over the winter. Mulch made of ground up organic materials, such as leaves and grass, make a great barrier between your plants and the winter air. It regulates the temperature of the ground and has great nutrients for the plants to use. It’s easy to make the right mulch and spread it over your garden bed and your plants. Remember to keep adding more as needed throughout the winter if you can.
Coverings
Some shrubs and bushes will do better over the winter if they are covered with a simple cloth or blanket. The coverings will protect your outdoor plants from the wind and harsh weather. If you want to provide these plants with extra insulation, place mulch around the plants before covering them to keep them healthy over the winter. Coverings can also help with smaller trees that have more vulnerable tree trunks.
Digging up bulbs
For plants that have bulbs, like cannas and dahlias, bulbs should be dug up and placed in pots over the winter to be ready for planting in the spring. Because most plants with bulbs are more common in warmer places, they will not survive over the winter.
Pruning
Pruning, or thinning out dead branches, makes it easier in the spring for your plants to grow in and look great. It is easier to do when it is dry and not bitter cold. Be sure to thin out your bushes and small trees before it gets too cold.
With this guide, we hope your plants will be happy and healthy throughout the winter and into next spring. If you want to sit back and relax and have the professionals take care of your backyard ponds and plants, contact us to learn more about how you can DIWhy it instead of DIY it.