How to prepare summer cottage plants for winter

Myth 1: all perennial plants must be covered.

Believe me, most of these plants are able to overwinter without shelter around them, simply because they are perfectly adapted to the climate of the region. Yes, there are species that are not too frost-resistant, which will have to be taken care of: all types of roses (except for park roses), clematis, phlox, peonies, lilies, rhododendrons. But do not overdo it: most of the roses do not die from frost, but from the fact that the plants were insulated too early in the fall, and in the spring they were opened too late.

Myth 2: protection is a guarantee of a successful wintering

Sometimes plants carefully prepared for wintering still die. Why is this happening? It’s simple: you protected them from frost, but not from sudden changes in temperature, especially during autumn and spring thaws. Unstable weather provokes excessive freezing and waterlogging of the soil and, as a result, mechanical damage to plants, rotting of the root system, its damping and death.

Myth 3: hilling is enough for low-growing plants

The creation of an earthen mound over the roots and remains of the stems is a traditional method of winter camouflage. Thanks to hilling, we do not so much protect the plants from frost as we create a relief around them. Due to this, melt water is better diverted in spring, and the plant itself is protected from getting wet. But a looser substrate, such as humus or peat, will better save from frost: they do not cake, have higher thermal insulation, serve not only as a good shelter, but also as an excellent fertilizer.

Myth 4: natural materials are reliable

Lapnik is really very good and will protect you from most winter troubles. However, remember: along with the spruce branches, you can bring various pests to the site and even an infection for those conifers that live with you. And in the garden fallen leaves, harmful insects, rodents and diseases are comfortably hibernating. And it is difficult to clean this type of shelter in the spring. Experienced gardeners advise on fine days to collect dry birch and oak foliage, pour it into vegetable nets. Cover the plants directly with these nets at the right time.

Myth 5: agrotechnical fabrics insulate perfectly

Yes, nonwovens are really good. But it is best to use spunbond and lutrasil as part of a shelter complex, combining them with peat, spruce branches. The material can become covered with an ice crust from temperature changes, which contributes to the damping off of plants. And if the tissue adheres tightly to the crown of coniferous plants, then the needles will die from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, it is necessary to build a frame from slats, then cover it with non-woven fabric, and then an air gap forms between it and the crown, which creates optimal conditions for wintering.