The gray season is underway, the days are shorter, temperatures are dropping and it won't be long before the first frosts appear. So it is high time to prepare the garden bloomers on the balcony and terrace for winter. Surrounded by a bit of soil, the darlings are exposed to the cold unprotected and need some start-up help to get through the winter unscathed. In a few easy steps, well packed and protected, the beautiful plants are put into hibernation and wake up safely the following spring.
While fall bloomers such as violets still present themselves in full splendor and inspire with bright color accents well into winter, other faded balcony beauties can be winter-proofed for the coming cold season. When the temperature drops below five degrees, most garden bloomers look forward to retreating to a cool and dark winter shelter, such as the stairwell or basement. Heavy and large pots, on the other hand, should often be left outside and, like hardy garden bloomers, should not be exposed to the cold unprotected. Because unlike in the garden, pots, tubs and balcony planters are only surrounded by a thin layer of soil that offers insufficient protection against the persistent winter. A certain degree of preparation applies here, whereby both the plants and the pots must be protected.
To ensure that the plants do not spend unnecessary energy on their growth in winter, all dead plant parts should be cut off with sharp secateurs. Since it is often particularly windy and cold at the edge of the balcony or terrace, the garden bloomers should be placed in a sheltered corner of the outdoor living room. A place on the wall is ideal because it protects against adverse weather conditions and provides natural warmth. To ensure that the plants do not get cold feet and the roots do not freeze from below, it is advisable to place buckets and pots a little higher on Styrofoam or a wooden board. In freezing temperatures, the root area of the plants must be protected, as the thin layer of soil in the pot can freeze very easily. A protective blanket of fleece, coconut fiber or bubble wrap around the pot is the perfect winter protection. The garden bloomers can also be covered with branches, moss pads or wood chips. Not only does it look beautiful, it also protects the soil from evaporation and snow. However, the earth should not be completely covered so that sufficient air can circulate.
Garden bloomers need little attention in winter, but while most barely grow during the cold season, they still consume water and can even dry out. Therefore, they should be watered in moderation. It is advisable to check the soil for moisture every three to four weeks and water accordingly. In contrast, fertilizers are not necessary during the cold season.
