Time for cold comfort
Keep potted displays happy and healthy
Plants in containers are vulnerable during winter. They can become too cold or wet, prone to attack by fungal diseases and break in windy weather. Here are some clever ways to help protect them until spring arrives.
● Use pot feet Propping your pots up helps your plants drain better, reducing problems with frost damage and waterlogging in cold, wet weather. Pot feet also improve airflow and help reduce staining to your patio or water damage to decking. Glazed Pot Feet are available for £2 for a pack of three from Wyevale Garden Centres (0344 272 3000, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk); or choose ‘invisible’ rubber flower pot risers from www.amazon.co.uk (£13.97 for 24).
● Group pots in a sheltered spot Moving pots to a sheltered spot, such as against a house wall, provides protection against frost and winds. Group plants together so that they insulate each other.
● Tend potted plants regularly Botrytis (grey mould) can strike in damp conditions that are lacking in airflow, so check your pots regularly to keep them clean and healthy. Promptly pick off old leaves and spent flower stems and remove debris from the soil surface.
● Protect clay containers Insulating precious pots by wrapping them with bubble wrap, hessian or horticultural fleece will help protect both plants and terracotta pots from frost damage. For a smarter option, invest in a microfleece, drawstring Plant Pot Jacket (pictured above), £19.99 (Large, 50x45cm/20x18in) diameter) or £24.99 (Extra Large, 70x65cm/27x25in diameter) from Qwerkity (0333 240 0707; www.qwerkity.com). Plants sit on a 4cm (1½in) layer of insulation.