Get containers winter-ready
THE WEATHER may have turned, but now is the time to prepare permanently planted containers for winter. Shrubs or large plants in outdoor pots are highly vulnerable during autumn. Excessive rain, gales and sharp frosts can all take their toll.
You can keep all containerised plants healthy by taking a few timely precautions. Good drainage is essential, so start by making sure that all permanently planted containers drain freely.
Drainage is always better if the containers are raised slightly from the ground. Stand big pots on bricks, old quarry tiles or purpose-made ‘pot risers’. That enables water to drain more rapidly and more freely from the containers.
Feeding is unnecessary during winter and can even be harmful.
Winter and spring shrubs such as daphnes and camellias (pictured) draw on nutrients stored in their tissue for flowering. They will not need feed until growth begins next spring.
Ants and earthworms are always less likely to block drainage holes if there is space between the pot base and the ground. Nevertheless, check all drainage holes and remove any plugs of soil or potting compost that may have blocked them.
Small containers will be at risk from penetrating frosts. You can reduce that risk by moving them close together. Pack more vulnerable plants into the centre of the group.
The roots of sub-tropical plants such as cannas and ginger lilies must be completely frost-free.
But if their top-growth is frozen, no permanent harm is done. To protect such plants, insulate the pots with bubble wrap, tied firmly in place to avoid wind damage.