Photo by Hallgerd/Fotolia
Preparing plants for winter
Try these measures now to get your plants through winter's cold, wind and harsh sun
**PLANTS IN CONTAINERS**
* Wood, fibreglass and plastic containers weather best; clay may crack. To insulate roots, sink containers in ground or cover in bubble wrap, followed by burlap and cluster together.
* To protect the plant itself, put bamboo stakes around the pot's edge and extend the burlap over top to form a loose tent. Never use plastic.
* Place potted trees in an unheated garage or shed. Throw snow on soil surface occasionally to supply gradual moisture.
* All containers should be elevated on bricks or chocks.
**PLANTS IN THE GARDEN**
* To protect newly planted conifers or young trees, make a screen by driving stakes around the plant and tacking burlap to them.
* Spray broadleaved evergreens with an anti-desiccant like Wilt-Pruf.
* Water conifers deeply before the ground freezes.
* Mulch beds with chopped leaves to prevent freeze-thaw cycles.
* Lay branches over prennials to hold snow—it's the best insulation.
**TENDER PLANTS**
* Store bulbs and rhizomes in boxes of peat moss in a cool place.
* Bring potted herbs indoors and place in the brightest window.
* Before cold weather sets in, take cuttings of annuals such as coleus and geraniums and grow them indoors.
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