Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 234 5/24/17 12:25 PM
Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete
Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete
700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 235 5/24/17 12:25 PM234 chapter 5AT THE END OF
THE SEASON
Just because regular frosts are on the horizon for
cold climate gardeners and the gardening season
is coming to an end, it doesn’t necessarily mean
you have to be done enjoying your containers.
While some containers have to be emptied
and properly stored for the winter in colder
climates, others can stay outdoors year-round.
But regardless of which types of containers you
have, there are a few other tasks you may want
complete at season’s end.Overwintering Hardy Perennials,
Trees, and Shrubs
If your containers housed any perennials, trees,
or shrubs, don’t expect them to overwinter in the
pot if the winters are cold. Often their roots will
freeze out without the insulating properties of the
earth to protect them. To safely see containerized
perennials, trees, and shrubs through the winter,
remove them from the pot and plant them in the
ground. If you don’t have a place for them in an
in-ground garden, temporarily heel them into
the compost pile for the winter and then repot
them in the spring. If you don’t have a compost
pile or garden in which to overwinter them, you
may be able to get perennials, trees, and shrubs
to successfully overwinter in their containers by
providing them with an extra layer of insulation
To do this, first make sure the perennial, tree,
or shrub is planted in a frost-proof container (one
that won’t crack when exposed to freeze-thaw
cycles). Then, surround the entire container with
a cylinder of chicken wire or box wire fencing.
This ring of fencing should be 1 to 2 ft. wider
than the diameter of the pot and exactly as tall.
Place the cylinder of fencing around the pot andpack autumn leaves, straw, or hay into the area
between the pot and the wire ring. Fill it up to the
top of the pot, being sure to pack it in densely by
stepping it down with your foot. The outside of
the pot should be fully surrounded by insulating
materials, but the top should not be covered. Nor
should the plant. Then, put 1 to 2 in. of shredded
leaves or bark on the surface of the soil in the pot.
Do not pile it up against, or on top of, the plant.
When insulating pots in this manner, you’ll
still need to water them throughout the winter
months, making sure they receive adequate
moisture if natural precipitation doesn’t occur.
When early spring arrives, gradually remove the
insulation materials over the course of a week.
Then, remove the wire fencing and cross your
fingers that the plant survived.Depending on your climate, overwintering shrubs like
this oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) that
are grown in containers may require surrounding them
with a bit of extra insulation.Text Black Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete#175 Dtp: 229 Page: 234^700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 234 5/24/17 1:07 PM
Harvesting and Seasonal Considerations 235Overwintering Prized Plants
When it’s time to deconstruct your container
plantings at the end of the growing season, it’s
also time to think about whether or not you’d
like to try to overwinter any of the plants growing
in them. Many popular ornamental and tropical
container plants make wonderful houseplants,
if you bring them indoors before they’re frosted.
Some container-grown vegetables, includingpeppers and tomatoes, can even be brought
indoors for the winter where, with enough light,
they may continue to produce for several more
weeks. Some cold-sensitive plants are also easy to
overwinter in a dormant state.
Just before fall’s first frost is the best time to
move any tropical plants indoors. Here’s how
to do it.Non-hardy tropical plants need to be overwintered safely. Many can be grown as houseplants during the winter
months, while others are easier to overwinter in a dormant state.Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete#175 Dtp: 229 Page: 234 (^) Text Black Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete #175 Dtp: 229 Page: 235
700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 235 5/24/17 1:07 PM