By Andi Anderson
As winter approaches, gardeners need to prepare their tender plants for the cold months ahead. Iowa State University horticulture specialists offer guidance on protecting roses, shrubs, perennials, strawberries, and asparagus to ensure they survive and thrive when spring arrives.
For roses, winter protection varies by type. Hardy roses, like Knock Out® and Easy Elegance®, require minimal care, needing only dead cane removal in spring. However, hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda roses need extra protection.
To prepare, wait until temperatures are consistently low, typically early November, then tie the canes with twine, cover the lower 10-12 inches with soil, and insulate with straw or leaves held by wire fencing.
Woody plants, such as butterfly bush, crape myrtle, and big leaf hydrangea, may experience winter dieback. Adding 2-3 feet of mulch around dormant plants provides additional protection. Prune these plants back to live tissue in spring once new growth emerges.
For unplanted perennials and shrubs in containers, dig a hole in a protected area and set the pots into the ground, surrounding them with soil. This method insulates the roots. Alternatively, place containerized plants in an unheated garage where temperatures range between 20 and 45 degrees F, monitoring for extreme cold.
Strawberries also require protection to avoid winter damage. Cover June-bearing strawberries with 3-5 inches of clean straw mulch after the plants become dormant and temperatures drop below 20 degrees F. The mulch will protect buds and crowns from freezing temperatures.
Finally, asparagus should remain untrimmed over winter, as the dead foliage traps snow, shielding crowns from freeze damage. Clear the old foliage in early spring before new spears begin to emerge.
These simple steps help protect plants from harsh winter conditions, ensuring a healthier, more robust start in the spring growing season.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture