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HomeLifestyle6 Mistakes During Winter That Will Actually Destroy Your Plants, According To...

6 Mistakes During Winter That Will Actually Destroy Your Plants, According To Gardeners



When temperatures drop, it’s wintertime for your plants. But due to lack of knowledge, some home gardeners make many common mistakes during winter. In fact, there are great tips for this Overwinter your plants to keep them from dying.You might actually be following the worst tips during winter.

To help you know the difference between the best and worst advice, we spoke to plant experts who share all the mistakes you can make during winter that you should avoid at all costs.

meet the expert

  • valeria nyman He is a longtime gardener and chief product officer Taim.ioA platform that helps people to grow their own vegetables and herbs at home.
  • Lotte Berendsen There is a certified horticulturist for PlantIn, an app that helps gardeners identify plants and diagnose problems.

over watering plants in winter

Overwatering is possibly the worst thing you can do for your plants.

“The trend to keep the soil moist year-round is strong,” explains Valeria Nieman, a longtime gardener and chief product officer at Taim.io. “But most plants slow their growth in the winter and don’t drink as much water.”

Wet roots in cold soil can also cause root rot which is one of the Signs You’re OverwateringInstead, water sparingly, and only when the top inch of soil is dry. For potted plants, make sure your pots have good drainage to avoid too much water pooling.

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wrap plants too tightly

When keeping your plants warm in the winter, you want to keep them warm. However, tying your plants too tightly can cause problems for the plant.

“Gardeners wrap plants as if they were newborn babies. This traps moisture, which can freeze and suffocate the plant,” says Nieman.

She compares plants tied too tightly in a sauna to wearing a raincoat: it is unnecessary and uncomfortable for the plant. Instead, choose a breathable material like burlap for wind protection or frost protection.

“You’re not trying to save the plant, you’re just protecting it from the worst of the weather,” she says.

Fertilizing in late fall or winter

Another common mistake is to fertilize plants too early.

“It’s tempting to think that plants need food year-round, but giving them fertilizer before they wake up is like giving them breakfast at 3 in the morning,” explains Nieman.

Fertilizing your plants in late fall or winter leaves your plants confused, and unused nutrients can damage the roots. Instead of making this mistake, she says, hold off on fertilizing until mid-fall and let your plants rest. Neiman explains that spring is the ideal time to start a buffet because this is the time when your plants are actively growing and can benefit from good fertilizer.

Forgetting about plant pests and diseases

Remember, aphids, spider mites, and fungal spores can also overwinter. And when you bring them inside they can attack your plants and wait to wreak havoc in your garden when the sun returns.

What to do instead? Clear away dead leaves and debris where pests hide, Niman recommends. inspect plants for common garden pests Consider a mild organic spray before bringing them inside for the winter and as a precaution against pests.

planting near cool windows

Plants need plenty of sunlight even in winter. However, overwintering plants should not be placed near cold windows. Although you may think this will give your plants as much sunlight as possible, dry and cold windows do more harm than good.

According to PlantIn’s certified horticulturist Lotte Berendsen, cold glass can cause temperature fluctuations.

“This is especially true if you have the heating on inside your home and the temperature in your home is significantly different from the cold outside,” says Berendsen.

Solution? Give the plant a location where it will not be disturbed by radiators or drafts.

Replanting in Fall or Winter

This mistake can cause shock to the transplantation of your plant. Plants are not actively growing in the winter, so repotting can be extra stressful for your plant’s roots.

“Suddenly, your plant now has to put all its resources into the roots, leaving little or no energy for the leaves,” Berendsen explains.

Thus, replanting is a big mistake which can lead to wilting, browning and falling of leaves. Instead, wait for spring regeneration. Unless the plant is suffering from a disease or is so rootbound that it can’t wait until spring, leave it in its existing pot for now, Berendsen says.



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