Giving your planters and pots the protection they need over winter

Planters and pots can be a gardener’s most valuable tool in equipping the backyard with the right plants. However, every landscape gardener will tell you that pots and planters are an expensive investment when you need to replace them every winter due to cold damage. 

For this reason, it is important to consider ways to preserve them over the winter months. You cannot just leave them be and hope that they will make it through the winter in one piece without your intervention. Some of these items might not make it without added protection. You may find them cracked or broken. If you want to prevent it, you should take these steps: 

• Clean them before winter comes – winterising all the pots and planters should start with cleaning them up, in case there are not housing plants.  If they are in fact empty, you should remove leftover plant material and ditch the old soil that clings onto the walls. Mix a solution of one part bleach (non-chlorine is preferable) and ten parts water. Scrub the insides of the pots and planters thoroughly with the solution and dry them thoroughly. Now they are ready for winter storage. 

• Keep them indoors – the best way to protect planters and pots over the winter months is to keep them indoors. It doesn’t matter what they are made of since temperature fluctuations and the elements can be quite brutal. Even the sturdiest and most resilient planters and pots can add years to their life with proper storage. Make sure you flip them over with their drainage holes up in case you do not have space and have to keep them outside. Use bricks and wood pieces to keep them off the ground. If the pots are planted, insulate them with bubble wrap. It serves as protection for both the pot and the roots of the plant. 

• Some planters and pots require special attention – terra cotta pots are pretty, but the material they are made from is like a sponge. If you leave them outdoors, the low temperature will surely crack them. Even glazed pots are vulnerable, especially when the glazing is on the outside only. Once again, bringing them indoors for the winter months is the best solution. If you can’t do that, lift them off the ground and use a tarp over them to prevent snow accumulation. Placing them together under an overhang on a south facing wall also helps. 

• Pick resistant materials – picking planters and pots that can withstand the elements sure is a recipe for success. Cast iron, polyurethane, wood, fibreglass and non-porous plastic can do well outdoors during the worst of winters. 

• Look for the frost-proof label – specific planters and pots have a frost-proof label by the manufacturer. However, you should take it with a grain of salt. Unless they are tested specifically for sub-zero temperatures, you should assume that they will withstand only well against mild climate. 

As you can see, there are quite a few ways to protect your planters and pots throughout the winter. Look into them, and you can bet these items will remain intact to serve your landscaping needs. 

To get more information, call  020 3322 6097.

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