As winter approaches the common challenge that all the gardeners face is to ensure that their beloved plants thrive despite the cold nights. While in India we typically do not experience snowfall in most regions, the lower temperatures at night and the thick fog still be a cause for concern, especially for those tending to both indoor and outdoor gardens. During winter, plants experience a series of stressors that require extra attention like low temperatures, winter nights in India are very cold, with temperatures dropping significantly which damages the sensitive cells of plants, causing them to wilt and suffer. Another stressor for the plant is reduced sunlight as winter months also bring shorter daylight hours and hence hinder the process of photosynthesis. Thereby resulting in slow plant growth.
In addition, the cold winds that sweep through also lead to rapid water loss in both indoor and outdoor plants. This results in dehydration and weakened plant health. Let's have a look at a few tips to care for the plants during the winter season.
How Do You Take Care Of The Plants In the Cold?
1. Move to light- The most simple way to protect indoor plants is to move them closer to windows that receive good sunlight during the day or you can even place them in direct sunlight in the balconies. At night, you can reposition them away from the cold open spaces.
2. Humidity control- Ensure that the indoor plants receive adequate humidity. You can use a water tray or room humidifier to prevent dry air from causing problems. The easiest method to create a microclimate for the indoor plants is by placing them in a tray of water on top of some rocks without letting the bottom of the pots touch the water level. Do not cover the drainage holes.
3. Reduce watering- During winters, water indoor plants less frequently. Since overwatering leads to root rot, which is more likely to occur in cold, damp conditions. To check whether the soil is dry to the touch you can stick your finger in the top 1 inch of soil. If it is dry, water gently with a slow mist.
4. Mulching- You can apply a layer of mulch around the base of your outdoor plants. Mulch acts as insulation and further protects the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Tree bark, hay, or even recyclable corrugated boxes can be used as mulch.
5. Covering- You can also cover sensitive outdoor plants with a row cover or burlap to keep them warm on extremely cold nights. You can ensure keeping your plants warm through the cold night by providing a barrier. This also helps keep pests at bay.
6. Grouping- Another method to keep your outdoor potted plants protected during the cold season is to keep them together. Cluster potted plants together in your garden as this particular arrangement provides mutual warmth and protection against the cold.
7. Water management- During winter you need to be mindful of watering. You should water your plants in the morning so that the soil has a chance to absorb moisture before nightfall, preventing the roots from freezing. Plants also require relatively less watering during the cold months. In general, it is advisable to cut back on the watering frequency during the winter season
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