Not all plants are hardy, that is to say they do not all tolerate cold and low temperatures. The coolness that gradually begins to set in in October may not suit chilly plants. Discover the benefits of planting plastic bottles in the garden in October.
When the temperature begins to drop, it is important to identify chilly plants in the garden to protect them from the cold. Here’s a tip to keep your garden plants warm, even when temperatures drop.
What is the benefit for your garden plants of planting plastic bottles in October?
If you have plants in your garden that are not cold-resistant, it is advisable to protect them with a plastic bottle. This zero-waste tip will allow you to cover your plants and keep them warm. To do this, you will simply need a large plastic bottle and a pair of scissors. Cut out the bottom of the bottle and keep the upper part which contains the neck. Remove the cap from the bottle to let air circulate and not suffocate the plant, then place this half of the bottle on the plant you want to protect from the cold. Pack the soil well so that your bottle can stay in place despite gusts of wind.
This tip is especially recommended in winter, to protect chilly plants from cold waves. If your plastic bottles fog up, don’t worry. This water vapor will flow into the soil and hydrate your plants. After the cold snap, be careful not to suddenly remove plastic bottles. Plants need to gradually acclimatize to the new climate.
What are other tips for protecting plants from the cold?
Besides using plastic bottles, there are other tips to protect your plants from the cold.
If deciduous plants, that is to say plants that lose their leaves, are more resistant to cold, plants with evergreen foliage are more sensitive to cold climate and frost. In fact, the jelly crystallizes the water found in the sap. This increases the volume of the sap, which can cause the plant’s cells to burst.
- Mulch to protect plants from the cold
Plants grown in the ground can easily be protected by plant mulch, composed of a carpet of dead leaves, bark, or even manure or linen mulch. So you not only protect the plant roots from cold, but you also fertilize your plants. Indeed, plant mulches are good fertilizers.
- Use a protective net for fragile plants
In the event of extreme cold, it is recommended to protect your fragile plants, such as tropical plants, with a protective net. The aerial parts of the plant are then covered with this veil which has the advantage of letting water pass through.
- Use a bell to protect plants
You can cover small plants in the garden with an upturned glass or wicker cover, which will protect your plants from the cold and frost.
- Using newspaper for potted plants
To protect your potted plants that you keep outside, wrap newspaper around the pot. It is also advisable to raise your pots using bricks or wedges, to insulate them from the ground and thus prevent the water in the saucer from freezing. Besides, it is important to remove the saucer.
With these solutions, you will protect your chilly plants from the cold when temperatures start to drop in October. You will thus be able to spend a winter with complete peace of mind.
