As the days get shorter and a chill fills the air, you might be wondering about protecting your plants from frost.
The thought of losing a cherished plant can be heartbreaking, but a greenhouse offers a beautiful solution for how to overwinter plants and keep them safe.
Key Takeaways
- Preserve Your Joy: Overwintering, also known as winterizing plants, is about more than survival; it’s about protecting the tender plants you’ve nurtured with winter plant care so they can return stronger next season.
- Prepare for the Move: Before bringing plants into your greenhouse, carefully inspect them for pests and give them a light trim to remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
- Create a Cozy Haven: The key to success is maintaining a stable environment. Aim to keep the temperature above 45-50°F and ensure good ventilation to manage humidity.
- Adjust Your Care Routine: Plants need less water in the winter, so let the soil dry out between waterings. Ensure they still get plenty of light, supplementing with grow lights if needed.
Why Overwintering Matters
You’ve put so much time and care into your garden, and watching tender plants thrive is a true joy. Overwintering them isn’t just about survival; it’s about preserving that joy and ensuring your plants will come back even stronger next season. It’s a way to extend the growing season and keep a piece of summer with you all year long.
A greenhouse provides a controlled environment where you can nurture plants that would otherwise be lost to frost and cold. It’s the perfect sanctuary for them.
Preparing Your Plants for the Move
Before you bring your plants inside, a little preparation goes a long way. This is a gentle process that will set your plants up for success.
Checking for Pests
The last thing you want to do is invite uninvited guests into your greenhouse. Before moving a plant, carefully inspect its leaves and stems for pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. A gentle but thorough check can save you a big headache later. You can use a mild soap and water mixture to wipe down the leaves. You can also spray them with a natural insecticidal soap.
Pruning and Cleaning
Give your plants a light trim. This isn’t a major haircut; it’s more of a tidy-up. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and prune back leggy branches. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth and makes it more compact for its indoor home. Also, clean the pot and the top layer of soil to remove any debris or pests. A clean start is a good start.
Creating the Perfect Greenhouse Environment
A greenhouse provides a controlled environment where you can nurture plants that would otherwise be lost to frost and cold, making cold-season greenhouse gardening achievable.
That controlled environment is crucial for any winter garden ideas, as it means you can actively manage key factors like temperature stability, humidity levels, insulation, and ventilation—the essentials plants need to thrive when conditions outside turn harsh.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining a consistent temperature is key for overwintering plants. Most tender plants do best in a greenhouse that stays above 45-50°F at night. A simple greenhouse heater can provide the warmth your plants need when temperatures drop.
Remember, a sudden temperature drop can be a shock to a plant. You’ll also want to manage humidity. Too much can lead to mold and disease, while too little can stress plants. Good ventilation is your best friend here. Consider an automatic vent opener to help regulate air flow.
Watering and Light Needs
As the days are shorter, your plants will need less water than they did in the summer. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when overwintering. It’s better to err on the side of caution. Your plants still need plenty of light, even in winter.
Make sure they are placed where they can get as much natural light as possible. If you have a larger greenhouse, you can arrange them to give everyone their space. If you notice your plants aren’t getting enough light, you can add some grow lights to supplement the natural light. We have a selection of grow lights that can help give your plants the light they need.
Understanding Your Plants’ Needs
Each plant has its own personality and its own needs. Knowing a little about what your specific plants require will make the process much smoother.
The Needs of Tropical Plants
Tropical plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and citrus trees love warmth. They will appreciate a sunny spot in your greenhouse. They will go dormant in the winter, so don’t expect a lot of new growth. Just keep them happy and healthy. Citrus trees can even continue to produce fruit with the right care.
The Needs of Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are a bit different. They are used to dry conditions. Water them very sparingly in the winter, perhaps just once a month. They need a lot of light, so a spot on a high shelf or near a window will be perfect.
The Needs of Herbaceous Perennials
Plants like salvias, cannas, and dahlias can be stored as bare roots or tubers. Cut back the foliage and store the roots in a cool, dark place like a garage or a corner of your greenhouse. You can store them in a box with some potting mix or sand to keep them from drying out.
Overwintering Annuals
While many common annuals (like petunias and marigolds) are simply composted after a hard frost, certain valuable plants—especially those grown from cuttings, like fuchsias or prized geraniums (pelargoniums)—are worth saving.
This process is known as overwintering annuals. To prepare them, cut the plants back severely (by about two-thirds) and remove all remaining flowers and yellowing leaves. Bring them into a cool, bright area of the greenhouse, and keep the soil almost completely dry during the coldest months to prevent rot and maintain dormancy until spring.
The Benefits of a Greenhouse for Overwintering
A high-quality greenhouse isn’t just a place to grow things; it’s a sanctuary for your plants and for you. It offers protection from harsh weather, and it extends your gardening season. It also provides a dedicated space where you can connect with your plants, even in the middle of winter. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the warmth and a bit of green when the world outside is gray.
A greenhouse is an investment in your joy and your hobby, providing a durable and beautiful space for years of peaceful gardening. All of our greenhouse kits are built with quality and durability in mind to give you peace of mind.
A Little Bit of Peace
Taking the time to care for your plants through the winter is a wonderful way to continue the rhythm of the seasons. It’s a peaceful act of nurturing that brings a sense of accomplishment and calm. A well-prepared greenhouse makes this process simple and rewarding, giving you a beautiful space to enjoy your plants year-round.
Do you have any personal tips or tricks for successfully overwintering your plants that you’d like to share with fellow gardeners?
Frequently Asked Questions about Overwintering Plants
What is the ideal temperature for overwintering plants in a greenhouse?
Most of your tender plants will be happiest in a greenhouse that stays above 45-50°F, especially at night. A simple heater can help maintain this cozy temperature when it gets cold outside.
How often should I water my plants during the winter?
You’ll want to water much less frequently than you did in the summer. Overwatering is a common mistake, so it’s best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Do my plants still need a lot of light?
Yes, they do!. Position your plants so they can soak up as much natural light as possible. If you notice they’re struggling on gray days, adding grow lights can make a big difference.
Do all plants need the same care when overwintering?
Not at all. Each plant has its own unique needs. Tropical plants love a warm, sunny spot , while succulents and cacti prefer to be kept very dry. It’s always a good idea to know the specific preferences of each plant you’re caring for.
