Winterize Outside Pots
To reduce temperature swings, store outdoor pots away from direct sunlight and off pavement.
With sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast, time is up for most outdoor annuals. Some cold-loving plants (such as pansies, kale, and cabbage) and perennials like ivy and Creeping Jenny can survive over the winter – but there’s a catch: You can’t let the pot freeze into a block of ice. And you want to insulate plant roots from alternating between extreme temperatures.
If you want to protect your Garden sPOT, here are three tips:
Prevent ice at the bottom: Remove the saucer and then raise the pot off the ground for good drainage. You can set it on several bricks or stones — anything that will keep the drainage holes clear. This will help prevent root rot and reduce the chances of ice cracking the pot.
Protect against extreme temperature swings: Give the pot some protection from sun, snow, and wind by moving it to a sheltered area such as under an overhang or a small tree. Keep pots off paved areas that create unnaturally warm zones during the day and cause more stress on plants and pots. Grouping pots together and/or surrounding pots with a layer of mulch will also protect tender roots.
Avoid soggy roots: Plants use less water when they are dormant. Continue to allow the top 1/2 inch of soil to dry between waterings. Never water in the evening or when several days of below freezing temperatures are predicted.